no judgement....

Ugh. Sometimes it is *so* very hard.

So I was teaching at the yoga studio this morning. A man showed up for the beginner class at 10:15am. He said that he understood the first time in any class was free. I explained to him that yes his first visit was complimentary but that it didn't mean the first class with each teacher or the first time to each class offering was free.  It is truly a one time only deal and that classes are $12 to drop-in or $100 for a 10-class pass after the first session. He assured me that no, this was indeed his first time to our studio. Okay cool.  All good. He signs in and goes into the studio to set up his mat. I forgot to have him sign the liability waiver so I followed him in after a few minutes and gave him the form to fill out. While everyone is sitting patiently on their yoga mat waiting for class to begin, this guy is doing a full forearm balance then backbend into a scorpion pose. "Hmm...." I say to myself...and...... "Wow. Why is he here at the beginner class when clearly he should have come to the mixed level practice at the earlier hour?".  But no matter, everyone is welcome. So I said to him, "since it's your first time here at our studio please sign this liabilty waiver". He said "sure".

After class he came up to me at the front desk and told me he enjoyed the class but was expecting some of his friends to show up and was surprised they didn't. He went on to say that he was kind of glad they did not because this class would not be challenging enough for them. I kindly reminded him that this was our "beginner" yoga class and that the more intermediate to advanced class was earlier at the 8:30am hour, and that perhaps his friends (and he) would find that more to their (his) liking. He then says, "Oh of course... I came to *that* class a few weeks ago but the director (the owner of our studio) told me I should try the beginner class".  He went on to say, "I've been away for the last few weeks on a yoga retreat". As if that meant something?? My right eyebrow raised. "So this isn't your first time at our studio?" I said. I could tell he was trying to back pedal a little bit when he said "no but this is my first time to the beginner class". At this point I was starting to get a little irritated because I just realized the guy had seriously ripped both me and the studio off but I decided to just let it go. I am almost positive this wasn't a case of misunderstanding or a communication break down. I truly think the guy was trying to subvert our (honor) system.

Still feeling a little on the "stung side" I locked up and headed for my car. Parked next to me is the guy getting into his car. Complete with fancy racing road bike on a bike rack and a bright blue HANDICAPPED sticker hanging from his rear view mirror.   Of course he's also parked *in* the handicapped parking space.

Nice. ((((( sigh )))))