The Teacher as Beginner
Posted by Julie Martin | Filed under Philosophy | Comments Comments (18)
Gratitude. The first thing I think about when I reflect on my life as a yoga teacher. What an amazing vocation to share and witness the process of life, my life and others.
Surprisingly I experienced a class that brought new meaning to the word gratitude, opening my eyes to how yoga is a reflection of life in each of us.
I was visiting my friend and fellow yoga teacher, Anna Marti in Portland, Oregon. She volunteers for a wonderful organization called Living Yoga (http://www.living-yoga.org) that brings yoga to people who wouldn’t normally have access to or be familiar with the benefits of yoga. Classes are held in prisons, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, shetlers and similar facilities.
Anna asked me if I wanted to co-teach one of the classes with her at a mens center. I felt out of my comfort zone, yet I was drawn to say ‘yes’ as Anna explained the challenges in this setting not normally encountered at a regular yoga studio.
For most clients this setting is court mandated. It’s this or prison.
I started to get a bit nervous on the drive over. Anna gave me the most basic and wonderful advice: “Just be open to whatever may happen. Connect from your heart”. Right.
Isn’t that what I need to do every day in life? Isn’t that what I travel around the world teaching others? Now more than ever was time to put the lessons of yoga into practice. “Just breathe,” I reminded myself.
My initial fear rose as the men filtered into the room; attitude, indifference, tattoos, big guys, and unanimous in their desire to be somewhere else, perhaps someone else altogether.
“Oh my God, we’re girls.” was the thought that flooded me. Were we to command a room full of men encountering perhaps the most challenging time of their lives? Addicts and alcoholics hoping to get clean or just doing time to prevent a prison sentence.
It became apparent that there wasn’t going to be a lot of traditional asana happening. These men have never been in their bodies. Sitting on the floor was uncomfortable and stamina to maintain standing postures, absent.
As if on cue, a question arose from the ranks: “Why do we have to do yoga?”
We had decided to start the class with a brief discussion on the Bhagavad Gita. Sounds like a bit much for this kind of crowd, but our focus was on Krishna’s explanation that Arjuna must fight this battle regardless that his cousins are on both sides of the battlefield.
This tale can be translated as the battlefield of the mind that we all live with. While we can’t change the circumstances of battle, we can learn to be a witness. To observe, not react. To remain present in whatever conditions we find ourselves, just breathe, just be.
Using language the men could relate to we were amazed to find them listening, connecting. In 12 step programs they are taught to be in the “Here and Now”. This wasn’t foreign to them.
The first surprise. Sparks of recognition. Maybe they couldn’t touch their toes or sustain attention. Yet there were moments when stopping to get one to just notice breath, relax their head, a connection happened.
It was these moments that showed me the real power of yoga. I’ve spent years helping students into difficult postures and here in this revealing class all that seemed insignificant.
There was more true yoga going on in this room than I had seen in years. It felt more powerful because it was revealing itself in the most unconventional yogis, certainly not my familiar audience.
In the end, It wasn’t the brief gratitude from the men as they filtered out of the room that moved me. It was gratitude I felt for being in their presence, for witnessing small, even miniscule lights switch on no matter how flickering. I stood in awe.
I urge you to question “what does it mean to be a yogi?” We spend too much time delving into our neurosis, when in fact, as teachers, as leaders we need to stop gazing at our own navels and start showing up for the rest of humanity.
Our job is to inspire, the postures are merely vehicles of the process.
If I preach that we are one, that we are connected, then I need to live connection. I encourage everyone to risk and offer service (seva) to those in need. To all.
The opportunity to serve comes in the most surprising places.
August 26, 2010 at 2:18 am
Julie,
This made me cry!
Love rachel
August 26, 2010 at 2:57 am
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Its amazing how many layers there are to unfold in our journey as Yogis.. Getting out of self always provides the opportunity to grow grow grow..Thanks again
Katrina
August 26, 2010 at 6:20 am
Dear Julie,
I was really moved by reading your experience. It is really inspiring! Thank you for sharing it.
lots love,
petek
August 26, 2010 at 8:27 am
Julie, that is beautiful. Thank you x
August 26, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Wow Julie, what an amazing experience! I understand how you felt, and I totally agree with you in your last lines; we do spend too much time gazing at our navels and I find often we can be far too attached to our asana practice (which does not mean we need to leave it behind). But for me, what you wrote in these lines is what I would like to achieve through yoga, its that kind connection, that brings us closer to the Oneness of being and practicing asana or sitting in meditation won’t just get us there.
As teachers we have a gift; and a gift its meant to be shared. Thank you Julie, for sharing your inspiring experience and for your wise words!
Love, Anouk
August 26, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Thank you for sharing and reminding me what I’m here for.
“Namaste” is more than a casual greeting
August 26, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Thank you Julie for this inspiring message- it brought tears to my eyes- really moving! Your comments about Yoga teachers navel gazing (too busy with how ‘good’ we are as a teacher etc ) really struck home. Its all about being humble and staying in the heart, connecting, inspiring and simply willing to BE there for the other.
Love & blessings to you.. and see you soon at Brahmani!
LOL Tara (TT 2010)
p.s By the way you are a great writer- I look forward to your book!!
August 26, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Hi Julie,
This was exactly what I needed… I am thrilled that you started a blog. I miss those words of wisdom & I miss Goa so much!
Maybe next year I will be back:)
lots of love,
Jaclynn
August 26, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Thank you for sharing this. This was inspirational and reminds me what yoga is really about. It reminds me to start with the breath and posture. I often share a little yoga with my young students and I can never plan too much. I just have to try to start with a few basics and observe. It is scary to be in a men’s center and not know how the teaching will be received or how you will be perceived, but thank you for taking the risk and sharing your experiences.
August 28, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Beautifully written! Not only are you an amazing writer and teacher, you radiate true beauty inside and out. I’m so blessed to be your sister!
August 29, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Awwww! thanks Sis! You’re awesome! Love you. X
August 31, 2010 at 10:44 am
Thank you for this Julie, brilliant to be able to have your inspirational words, thoughts and experiences reach me even though I’m a long way from Goa. X
September 3, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Hi Juile
very moving stuff, I am so glad you were able to experience that and bring some Yoga to that situation, It also reminds me how lucky I am to be of service to these guys daily, personally and profressionally. I expereice the same fears when starting a new group,In fact we started a new group of alcohol clients this morning,exacly the same they shuffle or stroll in, depending on the damage, with indiffernce,fear,anger and suspicion, and it takes a few deep breathes and a lot of courage and compassion, just to start the process and offer some service, amazing really, and I agree its about taking the life expereince to those who most need it.
Peace and love xx
September 14, 2010 at 8:53 am
Julie, thank you for sharing this story. What a beautiful perspective! Aum shantih, love and light…
September 14, 2010 at 8:10 pm
This is so inspiring. As I embark on my journey to becoming a yoga teacher – physically, spiritually, and emotionally, this story from the heart is a guiding light. It’s so easy for personal neurosis to take over, and to stand in the way of yourself and others. My understanding of what it means to be a yogi is still so young, and I have a lifetimes path to follow and discover this, but I do know that one thing being a yogi means to me is to reach out and touch people, and your story serves as a heart-warming and truly inspiring reminder of this. Thank you mom. X x x
September 15, 2010 at 9:38 am
Fabulous and inspiring as I’m just starting my contribution of weekly yoga sessions to Mission Australia charity in Sydney, because yoga is not accessible to marginalised folk here and it should be accessible to everyone…
September 15, 2010 at 9:43 am
“Our job is to inspire” – what great words to keep in mind as I start my preparation for becoming a yoga teacher! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights, they are truly inspiring.
December 7, 2010 at 1:11 pm
You really touched me with this note. A woman who can write this must be an inspiring teacher. I am looking for a place to practice yoga in Goa and I am going to make a trip and come do a class and check you all out.
Joy