Do you remember back when you were in school. Did you have an
extra special teacher one year? One that really made an impact on
you? It made a difference to you, I am sure. The world of yoga and
meditation is no different. There are many many teachers all around
the world who are offering their own unique gifts. Trainings are varied
and come from the multiple lineages. If you had a great teacher in
grade two, she or he probably gave you gifts of learning and growing
that took you further and made you feel just so great. The same can be
said for your yoga teacher. So what are the qualities you should be
looking for?
1) First, you are in the driver's seat! Your yoga teacher is simply a
guide. They are giving well educated and experienced suggestions as
to how you should move your body, how you should breathe, or how
you should rest your body. It is all up to you to decide what you are
comfortable with doing. Never allow your yoga teacher to insist you do
anything. Yoga can change many things about ourselves for the better,
how we move, how we live, how we breathe, how with interact with
other people.....it is so important you follow your own lead.
2) Your yoga teacher should be challenging you. This is how you will
grow. A good yoga teacher will tune into what your goals are, what your
resistances are, and what your health history is. She or he should then
be showing you the next level that is waiting for you. Do not withdraw
from this kind of guidance. Your yoga teacher is inspired by your
practice and wants to support your growth. Remember, you will only
grow by continuing to move forward. Don't head for the door or resist
the challenge. Your yoga teachers should see your capability and direct
you there.
3) Your yoga teacher should have a yoga teacher. If she or he does
not, how will she or he grow, learn, advance? How will your yoga
teacher have new and inspiring teachings to bring back to you?
Plus, who is keeping them in check? Challenging them?
4) A good yoga teacher doesn't know it all. A good yoga teacher will tell
you when your request or needs exceeds their skill or experience level.
Be open to their suggestions of other classes to try, other teachers to
learn from.
5) Finally, a good yoga teacher will always leave their own emotional
journey and yoga practice outside of their teaching. Your class is not
your yoga teacher's class. She or he is there to teach, guide, watch the
bodies in the room, offer adjustments or suggestions, tune into the
energy of the room. The class they are teaching is no place for them to
have a personal practice.