Reflections of a yoga teacher
The colorful maze of Yoga Teaching has been on my mind for some time now and after a few personal block entries it is time to take a deep dive. My teaching gives me an opportunity to step into a delicately intimate space of people’s lives. I feel blessed that I have found such a steady life purpose in my teaching. My own personal yoga practice plays an essential part. I often recall on the times when I used to be a student only, so I can extend more compassion towards my students and fellow teachers. I take my teaching, mentorships and training students to become teachers to heart. The truth is, as teachers, we are on the very front lines as to how we represent Yoga practice. The stakes are high and our work directly influences our student’s approach to the practice and themselves! Teaching takes a devotion, humility, compassion and wisdom quality on our part. Having teaching skills constitutes only one part. The teacher’s qualities take up an even slice of the pie. I have met many skillful yoga teachers whose behavior did not back up their presence, did not embody Yogic philosophy and their preaching ran out dry. My reflection is not aimed to make anyone feel less than. I believe that the big majority of teachers don’t come short intentionally but it is clear that longing for approval and popularity drives us further away from ourselves and the very original purpose of Yoga. The mind will never cease to stop latching on the next bite to satisfy the craving.
It is a beautiful moment when you witness a student’s and teacher’s personal breakthrough. No matter whether it is a shift through a physical challenge or an emotional block of our heart or ego. It is a rewarding feeling to catch a glimpse of an increased awareness. I have been fortunate to develop many long lasting relationships with students and teachers alike and watching us all make the practice happen one breath at a time gives me hope. Without a doubt, it is a daily reminder to us all that each time, whether our practice involves a yoga mat or not, we are ALL beautifully human and we all are trying to do our very best (both teachers and students). The intimate space we get to share during Asana (pose) class is hard to re-create elsewhere. Rest assured, both teachers and students are playing their edges during each class, making an investment into their personal growth and well being, facing our wolves and dragons head on. We get to experience and practice how to fill the gap between our longing hearts and minds. The gap narrows when our bodies stop wrestling our breath and let the breath become the leading companion, where the minds settle and give in into the wise guidance of our attention, and where our souls declare a state of well being and safety. My wish and hope is that we will practice how to fill the missing space with more love, awareness and understanding to all, no matter whether they happen to be in their journey BOTH on and off our mats.
with love
Alena
