TO BECOME A TEACHER AT RUBBER SOUL: 1. Before becoming a teacher it is wise to have practiced your mind/body discipline on a daily basis for at least a year, perhaps many years depending on your commitment. 2. Participate at Rubber Soul by attending the classes of others. 3. Request a spot on the schedule that isn't already taken.

SOME IDEAS: --This is a volunteer studio with the intention of making yoga/meditation affordable and available to the people hopefully seven days a week a few times a day. --Rubber Soul likes a wide diversity of styles and traditions--even if they contradict one another.  You may make your sessions as spiritual or as secular as you see fit.

AWARENESSES AND UNDERSTANDINGS: --Come to class at least 15 minutes early to get set up and settled in.  We ask the students to come 10 minutes early.   --When students come in, welcome them.  If they are new, explain the sign-in process and have them sign a waiver.  Be sure that they print their name at the top. Try to learn names and then introduce people to each other.  Community building is a good thing.   --If the signs are in, bring them out.  Be sure not to block the next door neighbor's door with the big sign that leans on the window. --If mats are on the railing, roll them up and put them on the pile. --Assess the air quality.  I encourage you to use the heat (bringing the place up to about 68 degrees or so) and the air (cooling it down to the low 70s).  Generally some air flow is a good idea because it can be stuffy in there otherwise (with no windows and lots of people).  There is a fan option on the air-condtioning unit.  --Lock the door once your class starts.  The students feel more secure and they aren't interrupted by late-comers.  This is perhaps more true if it is after dark or if it is already crowded.  It is your call... but I encourage it.  It creates a culture of punctuality, which dignifies our practice. --The library works by people bringing in three books as a donation.  Ask them to bring in their most FAVORITE books.  That way the library will actually be of value.  There are library cards for checking out books (one at a time) in the little black box on the desk.  The stickers for processing books are in the wood box on the desk. --Turn the air/heat off if there is not class immediately after yours. --Lock the door when you depart.  And then check it to make sure it is locked.  This is really a significant matter so be sure to lock the door.  (At the moment, everyone is doing a great job with this.) --If you need a sub, write to the email list of teachers that I sent out for that month.  If you get one of these requests, please do take a moment to really think if it is possible for you to take the class.  At the moment, this is working well I think--but it takes that awareness on your part as a teacher to help others.  That way our schedule stays reliable.  So far we have almost never cancelled a class (and very rarely missed one).  If you have a last minute emergency, call Cal (706) 461-0262.