Yoga teachers lead by example (Part 3)

The behavior towards neighboring Yoga schools, Yoga teachers and their students must be cordial. As the old saying goes: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.” When we talk about other Yoga teachers, or former Yoga teachers, in a hostile way, what do we teach our students?

Unfortunately, Yoga teachers are human and behavior is not always optimal. Show respect to neighboring ashrams by informing the director, master teacher or guru about your events, in the form of a letter or invitation. Don’t post your events on their doors, on their cars and on telephone poles near their ashram.

Do not encourage your Yoga students to tear down advertisements for other local ashrams in local markets and cafes. Harmonious coexistence with local yoga studios and ashrams is healthy. When Yoga students are encouraged to become sectarian or elitist, they are being led astray from the true meaning of Yoga. Always remember Yoga means “unity”.

Avoid moving your yoga studio next door, above, below, or across the street from another yoga teacher. The world is a very big place. We don’t need to behave like rival companies. If that were acceptable, Yoga would just be a business, and our true mission is to help others.

Try to maintain good relations with former Yoga teachers and their students. Sometimes there are complications in the student/teacher relationship, but try to be as friendly as possible.

Relationships with your Yoga students must be balanced and kept intact. Yoga teachers should avoid using their position for leverage or special favors. If you have feelings that go beyond the usual yoga teacher/yoga student relationship, you should seek qualified counseling, do a bit of “soul searching,” or remove yourself from the situation.

The yoga studio is not a romantic playground, nor is it part of a dating service for yoga teachers. As a Yoga teacher, your relationship is based on the trust of your students. He also wants to avoid “feeding” the distractions of the yoga practice.

Lastly, you want to encourage your more advanced Yoga students to become independent creators of their own practice. It’s good that they need you, but your Yoga students will grow if they are allowed to be innovative. You can always show them the safest methods to keep them on the right track, but you don’t want your advanced Yoga students to feel dependent on your existence.

For a little comparison: A pair of adult eagles take wonderful care of their chick, but one day, that chick will grow up to be as big as its parents. The solution is to encourage their young to fly and become independent. You know, you won’t be here forever, so encourage your Yoga students to keep the practice evolving.