By Norman Blair
Over the past 15-plus years, I have been involved in many yoga teacher trainings (YTTs): as a participant, an assistant, a teacher. Much can happen: expectations are disappointed, buttons pressed, hopes disillusioned. Inevitable are fears, insecurities and negativities. Peaks and tr oughs. The triumphs and the feelings of being not good enough. Joys, insights and deep connections. All these elements are present in the pots of YTTs. Similar to relationships: delights, frustrations and smiles.
We commit to these courses and then realise it is not what we want to do. We can be triggered by other participants and the teachers. We meet obstacles and stories about self. That we cannot write essays. Or do a handstand. Or understand new ideas. This is the same for teachers as for students. As a teacher, I know that I cannot please everyone all the time. That as much as some people value what I teach, some people wish I would talk less. Or not be political. Or not be so … whatever! All we can do is to attempt to do our best with gentleness, with clarity, with commitment to change, with integrity.
YTTs can be a real confr ontation. We all have fears and insecurities. And we can choose how we respond to circumstances. When we are unduly negative and caught in spir als of compl aints, then we are deinitely feeding the already existing challenges. Discriminative wisdom (thinking clearly and carefully) and skilful speech (using words with sensitivity and kindness) are powerful tools. Discussions and opinions are essential elements for our growth. These YTTs are excell ent ar enas for sel f-observation. How do we respond – or react – to other people? Sometimes what we see in other people – competitiveness, selishness, meanness – is actually also in our self. We can all learn fr om each other. Shifts absolutely happen. Our learning together is enriched by support and a willingness to be vulnerable and compassionate.
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June 2019
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