The art of teaching yoga is a practice in and of itself. This role provides endless gifts of awakening. Each student, each class is a new opportunity to refine and integrate our practice. As the ethical foundation of yoga, the yamas and niyamas can inform our presence in the classroom. May they guide us all as we embody the practice of yoga in leading our classes.
ahimsa=non-violence
How can I aim to be non-violent in my instruction, leading each and every student through a practice which lovingly honors their body?
satya=truth
In this practice today, what really matters? How can I be more honest, real and heartfelt in what I am sharing?
asteya=non-stealing
What is it like to step back from the victory of teaching and allow my students to shine, giving them the possibility of success for their own sake?
brahmacharya=abstinence
How can I refine the way I use my energy, monitoring what feeds and drains me, so I have more presence to share? How can I be more courageous in choosing wisely?
aparigraha=non-grasping
Is it possible to release attachment to my own ideas and cultivate an allowance of each student and each way of moving?
saucha=purity
What is the best way to cleanse and clarify myself before teaching, so I can be less distracted and more present?
santosha=contentment
Where can I find gratitude in each class, just as it is?
tapas=passion
Are my own fires of curiosity and passion stoked and permeating into my teaching?
svadyaya=self-study
What is teaching illuminating about me? What am I learning about myself, my reactions, my ways of being?
ishvara pranidhana=surrender to the absolute
Am I providing myself and my students enough space to be in silence, stillness, and awe, to feel the teachings of yoga teaching us?
cover image: Dewang Gupta
Retreat
