According to Krishnamacharya (also known as the Father of Modern Yoga), one of the most important qualifications of a yoga teacher, is to keep a daily self practice. A dedicated, disciplined self practice guides you to become your inner teacher, where you treat your body, mind and breath like a blank canvas, and explore, investigate and experiment each asana on an individual level. This in turn, translates to how you approach your teaching and how flexible you are in modifying the practice to suit the practitioners' needs and present state instead of going on and on with a pre-planned sequence, totally clueless to the practitioners who may be struggling to keep up with your class.
Attending classes taught by other teachers doesn't count towards self practice - that would simply put you in what I'd call a "monkey see, monkey do" situation.
When I step onto my mat and begin with simple, foundation asanas, I am reminded that I was a beginner, and always will be practising with a beginner's mind, on this eternal journey of yoga.
The more complex and challenging asanas never let me rest on my achievements, nor do they let the ego take flight. As a student and teacher of yoga, I am but a work-in-progress.
No classes tomorrow morning for me, means a luxurious morning of indulgent self-practice. There's a Zen saying, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear".
May you find your inner teacher on this joyous path of yoga.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
Attending classes taught by other teachers doesn't count towards self practice - that would simply put you in what I'd call a "monkey see, monkey do" situation.
When I step onto my mat and begin with simple, foundation asanas, I am reminded that I was a beginner, and always will be practising with a beginner's mind, on this eternal journey of yoga.
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| Setu Bandhasana with a prop |
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| A work-in-progress Eka Pada Bakasana |
May you find your inner teacher on this joyous path of yoga.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
