The Real World Of Yoga…
A quote from David Swenson which I just read :
“A yogi is one who leaves a place a little nicer than when they arrived.”
Well, in the real world of yoga I see a lot of competition, jealousy and ugliness when groups of yoga teachers band together to ostracize other teachers. Oh yeah, it’s real and it’s happening in the yoga studio I go to. How does that sound when even students get to hear all these “backstabbing” stories - yep, I overheard a group of students discussing what happened to a yoga teacher in the dressing room. They love the teacher’s class but one of them were shocked that that teacher were asked to leave. One of the other students commented that some of the teachers wanted him out because he is not teaching the yoga style that they are teaching. However, this will probably appeal to groups of yoga students who want to let go the day’s stress and just want to relax and enjoy a nice easy going and yet uplifting class. I even heard that this band of teachers are going against a certain yoga school… why? I have no idea…
Such incident of this nature has already happened many times before and now again.
I was really surprised when it happened for the first time…
“The difference between the world of yoga and the fashion world is that in fashion, competition is placed right out in the open. In yoga, people pretend it is not there.” quoted from David Swenson’s article, www.yogajournal.com/for_teachers/2545
Looks like my classes I can go for just shrunk even further…
It’s sad and so disappointing when you think about it. But I guess that is what happen when one stresses too much on one aspect of yoga, just the asanas and forgetting everything else that really matters. Like what Charat says, yoga is not about the poses that you do but the mind, body and the divine within us.
After two years plus of learning yoga, I think yoga is a journey of learning about yourself, body, mind and soul. Sure thing that being able to do this and that cool pose is added pluses but do not discount the rest of the benefitsYour attitude towards yourself (self respect, self confidence, loving yourself, knowing your limits) as well as towards others (respect, support and encouragement, humility, care). It also about learning how to trust yourself and also other people, about learning how to ask for and accept help when you need it. Opening yourself to other people’s views and beliefs and to observe without judgment.
om~
Great post, thanks for sharing it! Would love to feature you on Wellsphere.com, a site that helps people to live healthier. Can’t find a contact form so thought I’d comment; look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, Larisa
Larisa, feature her
she’s a great yogini and friend of mine
totally agree with David Swenson’s quote … !!!