I just wanted to make a few comments, since I'm a yoga instructor...

starting with corpse pose is not uncommon. I do it sometimes, getting people grounded and to connect with their bodies...but NOT to relax. I cue them to go through their bodies and figure out which parts might need some attention. also sometimes for some breathing exercises.

OMG, puppies and kids into class! Yikes! that's a big no no.

Quality from instructors comes with experience. It took many years to get where I am, and lots of reading and researching. I plan out my classes and have a "cheat sheet" because its very easy to forget your plan while trying to correct postures of your participants. But to bring a book?

i also plan out, believe it or not, what i am going to say, how to cue the relaxing component, and what i want my participants to experience.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. this is my philosophy with pretty much everything.

Sorry to hear about everyone's experiences. I hope no one says that about me!

smile

hannah