In my last blog, I pointed to the mass amounts of information, teachings and opinions offered in the yoga world today. I noted how important it is for students, especially teacher trainees, to have a firm connection with their "inner teacher" in order to navigate these ideas and use this knowledge to develop their own ideas about their practice.
But when you feel like a beginner, finding the quiet voice inside can be difficult, especially when the really loud voices are outside. Here are a few firm, solid steps to take:
Listen, experiment, and listen again. Then, begin to practice the most important step, learning to express.
Listen. Begin by opening your mind. When presented with a new idea, listen carefully. This is easy if the idea feels familiar and you already feel open to it. But, what if the idea counters what you think you already know, or is very foreign? You don't have to experiment with anything that doesn't feel safe, or is counter to your principles. But, try to open your mind to see how the idea may make sense, even for others.
In my Yoga Ayurveda training, a technique of self-massage with large amounts of warmed oil, "Abhyanga" was presented as being particularly helpful for my primary dosha, Vatta. First thing in the morning, one self-massages the oil over the entire body, head to toe, lets it soak in, and then showers. Hhmmm. Considering the early morning temperature of my bathroom in the winter, an oily self-massage on a cold tile floor did not sound appealing. But, it's not dangerous, is it?
Experiment. Gather enough information so you can take the idea home. If it's an asana you're contemplating, get on your mat and play. Ayurveda? Get out the oil! Perhaps the first go-round is less than definitive or satisfying. Give a new idea some time to become not-so-new before making a final judgement.
My Ayurveda instructor suggested 30 days to try Abhyanga, to make it a daily practice. Yes, this was in the winter, and my house is cold during the early morning when I'd be doing this. I wake up slowly. But, I promised to give it a try...
Listen again. How does your body feel in a certain pose? How do you react to neti? You've may have been told what you should feel; now, what do you really feel? How does your mind feel? Detach from the should, or the wishes. What is the truth?
Laid out the towel, got out the oil. Okay, I was cold. I had to go downstairs to properly heat the oil so it felt comfortably warm. After I oiled, I felt too foggy to meditate, too oily to practice asana. I craved feet up, a thick robe and a hot drink. Was not enjoying this.
Express. Now, put into words what you feel. Actual words. This is how we express ourselves to others. Write them, say them out loud to yourself, articulate them to a friend or practice student. Journal...that's a good, safe start. Find the best words to express your experiences, especially those that work for you and you feel you'd like to share with others.
I do not like Abhyanga.
Now, let's assume you love the new idea. Practice it, express it, and then feel free to teach it.
What if it seems like a sound idea, but it just isn't working for you? You certainly can share it if you think it's helpful to some students, but be honest about your experience.
Okay, Abhyanga is a standard Ayurvedic practice. I wish, wish, wish I liked it. Loads of people do it, and feel more nurtured and grounded. I tried, and was not one of them. But, I am keeping this technique in mind, to revisit at a different time. And...I find that my skin is so dry, it soaks oil up pretty well, so I have modified the practice and do it after my shower, with a little less oil, and skip my scalp. But I do keep it as a tool to practice when I feel vatta-imbalanced (maybe before bed...)
And if the idea seems unsafe or ineffective? Toss it. Only teach what is you honestly feel is useful. Teaching what you love will boost your confidence, the hallmark of a truly effective instructor.
One of the most important components of the Focus Yoga teacher training is that of helping our students find the "inner teacher" and learn to express ideas clearly. All of our trainees will eventually teach with their own voice. We feel one of the most important things we can do is help our trainees find that voice.
To learn more about our training, join us for our September 8 Immersion Sampler. Click here for more info.
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