In the latest edition of the Yoga Rahasya, there is an article titled, "Teaching to 'strengthen the nerves' of the students" written by Guruji. The entire article is only a couple pages, but it spoke directly to me as a teacher. Here is the first paragraph:
"The seat of reverence is the heart. It will bloom only when the students stick to yoga. Though it depends upon the teachers to ignite and keep the flame of yoga burning, it depends on the students too. The teachers must be models with their regular practices and work in each asana for qualitative presentation. At the same time they should know about sequencing asana-s for congenial feelings as well as the ways of doing them to experience different sensations and feeling."
As of lately, or since I returned from India, I have been going, going, going, going. Not a whole lot of balance in my daily life and working life. When I first returned I was determined to find a balance, not to work too much, to practice more, to read and rest more. Of course that has slowly dwindled to an hour of practice a day and a little reading at night before I conk out. I could look at it in a negative way, complain of how tired I am, talk of how busy I am, or even just be pissed that it is not going exactly as planned.
Today I realized that I am doing all of this "work" because I love this work. I love teaching, I love managing the studio, and I love being on the IMIYA board. These are the things that I get to do for work, how lucky am I? In my former chef life, I was on my feet 8-10 hours a day and I loved that too. Looking back on all the professions I have had I am pretty lucky to have mostly done things I love. Not everyone can say they get to make money doing something they love, I get to be one of those people and I am very grateful for it.
In the Rahasya, Guruji talks about strengthening the nerves of the students, but I think that teaching also strengthens the nerves of the teacher. I have to practice daily and keep up with my studies so that I am constantly learning new things to teach them. If I do not continue learning, what will I have left to offer? Everyday when I think to myself I am too busy or too tired to practice, I remember all the students that come to class even when they too are tired or are having difficulties in their own lives. That is what gives me the inspiration to keep going. To keep assessing. This is what helps to "keep the flame of yoga burning" in my life.
Gratitude to the Iyengar Family and all students for helping me stay inspired and energized so I can share my abundant love of this yoga!!
"The seat of reverence is the heart. It will bloom only when the students stick to yoga. Though it depends upon the teachers to ignite and keep the flame of yoga burning, it depends on the students too. The teachers must be models with their regular practices and work in each asana for qualitative presentation. At the same time they should know about sequencing asana-s for congenial feelings as well as the ways of doing them to experience different sensations and feeling."
As of lately, or since I returned from India, I have been going, going, going, going. Not a whole lot of balance in my daily life and working life. When I first returned I was determined to find a balance, not to work too much, to practice more, to read and rest more. Of course that has slowly dwindled to an hour of practice a day and a little reading at night before I conk out. I could look at it in a negative way, complain of how tired I am, talk of how busy I am, or even just be pissed that it is not going exactly as planned.
Today I realized that I am doing all of this "work" because I love this work. I love teaching, I love managing the studio, and I love being on the IMIYA board. These are the things that I get to do for work, how lucky am I? In my former chef life, I was on my feet 8-10 hours a day and I loved that too. Looking back on all the professions I have had I am pretty lucky to have mostly done things I love. Not everyone can say they get to make money doing something they love, I get to be one of those people and I am very grateful for it.
In the Rahasya, Guruji talks about strengthening the nerves of the students, but I think that teaching also strengthens the nerves of the teacher. I have to practice daily and keep up with my studies so that I am constantly learning new things to teach them. If I do not continue learning, what will I have left to offer? Everyday when I think to myself I am too busy or too tired to practice, I remember all the students that come to class even when they too are tired or are having difficulties in their own lives. That is what gives me the inspiration to keep going. To keep assessing. This is what helps to "keep the flame of yoga burning" in my life.
Gratitude to the Iyengar Family and all students for helping me stay inspired and energized so I can share my abundant love of this yoga!!
"Yoga is not just a practice! it is living phenomenon. When you do it like an offering, it changes the very fundamentals of who you are" - Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
ReplyDelete