Letter for the students
Just got back from teaching at Black Dog's Teacher Training for the afternoon. Today I was scheduled to look at the student's teaching and their adjusting skills. The BD TT is a 200-hour, Yoga Alliance certified training. It asks a lot of the students, as they are learning about anatomy, asana, alignment, meditation, restorative, energetics, pranayama; while also learning how to teach. Just for contrast, in Anusara we do a 100+ Immersion first and then afterwards -if the student chooses to- then they move on towards a 100 hour Teacher Training.
I was thinking how challenging it is to be thrust into teaching so quickly, as you are learning so much about yoga. So before I went to teach today, I was thinking about the students and how much we are asking of them. I started to put myself in their shoes (bare feet). I ended up writing them a letter, which I read today. As I read it, I started to cry! Then some of them started to cry. At the end one of the students, Becks, asked if I could give her a copy. So here goes:
Dear Teachers,
A few words of advice:
Teach from your own experience.
Teach what you practice and practice what you teach.
You have so much to offer!
You are unique.
Do not compare your voice to other teachers.
Dare to be authentic.
Dare to be boring at times.
Dare to be an open channel.
Be humble.
Honor your teachers. Know your legacy.
Honor your students and be patient with them.
Remember how hard yoga was at the beginning.
Notice your students as you are teaching.
Notice the light in the room.
Notice how everyone is doing the best they can.
Be grateful for your students, for they will become your greatest teachers.
Also remember that as you teach yoga, you are also practicing yoga.
So breathe!
Connect to the earth.
Align physically and attune to a bigger energy.
As you give instructions pause between the instructions to make sure your points land.
Smile.
Have fun.
It will be okay. Really: It will all be okay.
Be calm and peaceful through the doubts and the fears- and keep going.
Teaching yoga is not just a job- it is our path.
Lead the way with dignity, integrity and humility.
I look forward one day to taking your class.
With love,
Maria Cristina
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