“Do you want to be a good teacher or a popular teacher?”
– Maty Ezraty
(The two opposing forces…feel them – always.)
(coccyx – that sacrum – the lumber vertebrae…that connection – the alignment is all.)
(PERFECT – now without blocks? Not so easy to be “perfect” without collapsing your back…not let the core cave in all the while …the wrists…the wrists…to be honest, mine are crying…at the moment. And so you discover which areas need strengthening…diagnostic.)
Always a student at heart, what did I get out of the intensive ? Other than a reality check that it’s not called “intensive” for nothing – I’m being facetious. It was a review of 200 hrs. TT, and re-affirmation of how excellent my foundation certification training with Jean and Brenna was. Also so surprised with very liberal use of props. As she had learned directly from the legendary Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, I assumed it would be more about Ashtanga primary series and his teachings… but she is now very Iyengar influenced in use of props as your tool… to go deeper and … longer. She masterfully weaves into vinyasa flow, the body as temple teachings of Iyenyar – a blend that I’ve been looking for.
As far as use of props – Goes along with my belief lately that you don’t have to force yourself to accommodate to align yourself to fit the universe (creating more discord within; so it’s the reverse). Rather, you invite the universe to align to the one and only, YOU (!) through use of props, celebrating your uniqueness. Then, truly Yoga Works for All. All body types and shapes and conditions are now embraced.
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Always asking provocative questions; so real. Is it a “either” “or” question? Can you be both? Or is that more up to the desirable time slot in the lineup schedule ? Or about teaching a “popular” style in America. Different in another country – really is.
Why does it have to be a mutually exclusive question? Probably not an easy feat to be both but real discerning students will know the difference. Trusting the students … So many teachers who are both good and popular that I respect. With her high standards, I can see how some of us may appear to resort to sacrificing one value over the other… thus, such question being thrown at us. We all know what sells – dopamine rush at a gym – many want a hard workout you sweat because perspiring feels detoxifying – harder the better for some mindset.
We need a strong body and must exercise but I don’t look at yoga as just a mere exercise anymore. To the extent of what Maty calls “chaotic” … While yoga is considered one of the best forms of exercise, if I need exercise, the cardio-type, I rather be playing volleyball, dance or go for a hike. For me, personally, yoga is not so much about “working out” but so much more about “working-in”…But I understand for some people, they really have to have a powerful practice or else they cannot settle enough to access that inner peace. For those people, a hard workout is a prerequisite or they think there is no other option to tame the mind to bring about stillness. It’s wherever you are on your own journey – it’s all GOOD. Everyone is different.
So for yoga, if something is not what resonates within you anymore, why teach it. It’s so subjective. Or if your style has shifted, why stick to the old style…ideally, be given the freedom to incorporate and blend all to reflect your own evolving practice. In an ideal world. The other day, a teacher told me she is beginning to get tired of hearing herself talk in class. Don’t you ? She asks… It’s vinyasa flow. I get it. It can get to be like operating an efficient well-oiled (hope) machinery (i.e., body). It’s scripted…and that works for a work-out.
( Use of a block even for those with long limbs…Getting real.)
I guess if you embody the practice yourself, you won’t hear yourself so much but see and hear the students more. The room will no longer be a “triage” (just kidding:) but more a … sacred space for the tribe to reboot. In a way, not from ego’s stance-point but with, what Judith calls, your “soft eyes” (that’s also sharp per Maty:), you see parts of you in them. It’s a reflection of sorts. It’s weird but again, not so much… because
I am constantly reminded the words of Judith Laster: “Be vigilant and guard against things that hardens your heart.” – I hear the voice speaking to me.
Why? Because, “then, we are no longer the conduit.”
What hardens our heart that’s all around us?
Fear …tops the list. Suffering comes from certain beliefs or anxieties based on fear. Suffering borne from clinging and attachment as to how things should unfold or how a human relationship must be and should be.
The constant practice is to overcome that fear we all share, to be brave, and to regain your faith in the possibilities of your own goodness so you can REFLECT the goodness of others. Work of yoga is the great REFUSAL as in:
“Yamas” – RESTRAINT in the 8 limbs of Ashtanga. Restraint as in REFUSAL…
Starting off the week, reclaiming my teachings to keep that mindset fresh:
Work of Yoga is the great refusal to harden our heart.
– Judith Hanson Lasater
Per Judith: Hardening is not a protection. We build a whole life to build a protection to be safe – Has that worked?
Know “control is my favored illusion” – instead, “continue to look at your students with soft eyes.”
Reminded, First, I am to be a conduit; Second, a skillful guide; Thirdly, to be of service with compassion. I again vow to that great refusal. I will NOT harden my heart.
Counting my blessings for the opportunity to learn from the wise yogis – so inspired whenever in that outwardly cool but inwardly smoldering energy fields these teachers create. You can’t help but get inspired by their passion dedicated to yoga and its vast teachings.
In gratitude to all teachers.
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(Had to review from my 200 hrs. TT …Thank you Jean & Brenna for excellent training but it’s been awhile…pushing that “refresh” button:)
10 Yamas …list of restraints for less suffering but in the real world…not easy. An ordinary human destined to suffer, especially today.
Ahiṃsā (अहिंसा): Nonviolence
Satya (सत्य): truthfulness
Asteya (अस्तेय): not stealing
Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य): continence
Kṣamā (क्षमा): forgiveness
Dhṛti (धृति): fortitude
Dayā (दया): compassion
Ārjava (आर्जव): non-hypocrisy, sincerity
Mitāhāra (मितहार): measured diet
Śauca (शौच): purity, cleanliness
