Retired From George Washington University

Most of you know that I taught at George Washington University, or if you want to get technical, it’s actually called The George Washington University.

After 20 years, I decided it was enough. Over those 20 years I taught:
· Yoga
· Pilates
· Yogalates
· Meditation
· Thai Massage
· Anatomy for Teachers of Yoga

The cascading water fountain that you see on the shelf at Yoga Space is a gift from the Life Science Physical Activity (LSPA) Department where I taught.

But the real gift, for me, was the responses I always got from my students both to me personally, and when they filled out their class evaluation forms at the end of each semester. It was always a validation that yoga was an important part of their schooling. Here are a few of the things they said about this last semester. Note: many of the kids were exchange students from all over the world, so please forgive their English. It’s their second language. I’m picking some of the things that don’t necessarily stroke my ego, (well, maybe just a little,) but rather show you that kids in their late teens really do need yoga in their lives:

Dear yoga teacher, Thank you so much for always prepared and so kind to us, I really enjoyed the class and felt relaxed but also useful in my life. I am an exchange student and this is such a great memory for me here:) Hope you do well and spend a wonderful time in your retirement! The last class is such a memorable moment, I love it, thank you so much.

Having time to relax/meditate at the start and end of each class was incredibly helpful.

I loved this course! It was a great way to set aside time to destress and relax. Douglas was very kind and helpful and respectful to all of the students. This class was something I looked forward to each week and I am so happy that I took it.

The course was a great break from the outside world of college and responsibilities. It forced me to take some time off and just think about the task at hand. I enjoyed this class very much!

Douglas Thompson was a wonderful yoga/pilates instructor and I am incredibly sad that he is retiring. I was hoping to take this course again in the fall but wanted to do it with him as my instructor again. I have issues with stress and the effects it has on my body and this class vastly improved my stress levels and relieved tension that I normally would have had.

This class was wonderfully taught and a great time to relax and clear our minds. Prof. Thompson was always friendly and excited to show us new poses, songs and concepts. He also always made sure to give us time for guided relaxation and the beginning and end of class, which was really wonderful since students don’t often get that time. I haven’t done palliates before, and I was a bit intimidated by it at first but I ended up really enjoying it. Over the course of the semester I’ve felt my body getting stronger (and more flexible) and slowly been able to complete more and more of the poses which is a great feeling. I really enjoyed how Prof. Thompson pushed us, but was also understanding and lighthearted when someone couldn’t complete a pose. He made the class really fun, and always felt approachable and kind. I wanted to try to sign up for his class next semester, and was really sad to find out he’s retiring. But because of this class I’ve felt stronger and more capable in my body, and fully intend to keep doing yoga and palliates in the future. Thank you so much for everything Prof. Thompson. It was a wonderful semester and a wonderful class. After four semesters of yoga at GW you were by far my favorite instructor.

Almost makes me want to go back—almost! So what am I doing with my added free time in my retirement?

I’ve added a Senior Yoga class on Thursday mornings from 10-11 am, and I’ve added a Senior Pilates class on Saturday from 10:15 – 11:15 am.

I’ve started working on an idea for a new book. (More about that in a later post.)

I’m playing guitar more.

And I’m still living the dream!