Confessions of a Yogi: Part 1

I trained for a year to gain the status of “Licensed Yoga Instructor.” In conjunction with my 200 hours of required training, I poured my heart and soul into perfecting not only the asanas (physical postures) that make up the basis of modern yoga, but also the philosophy and mindset that translate themselves over to the full scope of practice that is yoga. That year of vigorous study didn’t end at my certification, I’ve been delving into texts, both ancient and modern, in order to expand my practice and teaching style ever since I first caught the fever that thousands upon thousands of people have thrown themselves into as an excuse to wear stretchy pants and talk themselves up in the name of health.

Through this focus of the societal eye on yoga as a whole, a few misconceptions have poked their gross little heads up and made the practice all the more complex. Those complexities halt the entire growth of being that yoga cultivates, and need to be stomped out. I’m gonna take my shot at that stomping.

This isn’t me talking down, this is more of a vent, from one human being to another. That’s what I am. A human being. Years of training in an ancient form of exercise doesn’t turn yoga teachers into the mystical gymnastic adonises that everyone seems to expect out of an instructor. I’m in shape, yes, but I still struggle to hold a headstand for longer than ten seconds without toppling to the floor in a heap of limbs and curses. It all depends on the day, and some of us have more difficulty than others.

Yoga is an effort in humility and persistence, two things that I, personally, lack immensely. Stripping oneself of the ego and seeing an asana practice not as progression, but as an experience in experiencing the present without judgement, is both the most fascinating and most frustrating thing I’ve ever experienced.

Altogether though, it keeps me coming back. There’s a reason I’ve put so much effort into my studies, I love the practice and the feelings it cultivates within me. Being reduced to a stereotype by students is annoying, and so is witnessing teachers that propel that stereotype even further.

I guess what I’m trying to say is all of us teachers are people, so don’t treat us so stoically different from how you would treat a new friend. Treating us like gods allows some teachers to get a big head and treat their students like lesser peasant beings, and that makes the entire experience complete crap. Ask questions, smile, enjoy yourself! That’s the whole purpose of what we do. If a teacher doesn’t like that, flip ‘em off and walk out, you don’t need that in your life. With a little humor comes the opportunity to create a more open, friendly environment in which people can enjoy themselves while opening up their bodies to the benefits yoga can provide. Change in the body begins with the mind, and change in the mind starts with perception.

Until next time,

Namaste //