Receiving and Giving as a Yoga Teacher

“If the string is too tight it will break, if it is too loose it will not play.”

This phrase is attributed to the moment of one of the great insights of the Buddha.  It is said he was sat on a riverbank, whilst undergoing extreme austerities, when he saw a raft pass by with a music teacher and their student onboard and hearing this advice from the teacher he realised the path between all opposite extremes -  ‘the middle way’. 

Teaching Yoga is one aspect of this tightrope that we all walk. There is such wonder and fulfilment in being able share profound teachings with those who need them however it is so important, maybe now more than ever, that we make space for ‘our’ practice. 

We must make space to continue with our asana, pranayama, meditation etc. creating that opportunity of even just a few minutes stillness whenever possible. We don’t have to set the bar too high and expect to have a 90-minute practice every day however we may be able to create a 15-minute or a 30-minute window where we can immerse ourselves in our formal practice. 

In July of last year I left Mandala Yoga Ashram  having spent roughly 16 years there performing many roles. I have to say that I was a little concerned about the impact that leaving the ashram would have on my practice – would the ‘noise’ of the world in some way diminish it? Far from it. In fact my practice feels more touching and deeper than ever before. It’s more important that we do practice rather than where we do our practice – yes, touch base with powerful and inspiring places from time to time however what’s key is that we do our practice.

Take time to read inspirational texts and books – that challenge what we think we know and are so certain of, things that illuminate, those teachings that can inspire and remind  us of the wonder of our existence .

Make the time to practice with others – in a class, online or on retreat. These times offer that support and nourishment that bring us more and more to living fully in the moment, however that may be arising. 

I know for me that time spent in nature is crucial – I’m an avid wildlife photographer and wildlife enthusiast and time spent in nature is now a non-negotiable part of my life.  A key component of the retreats that we, myself and Nickie Short (Tulsi), offer as Essential Nature Yoga is time spent in nature with wildlife. It’s inspiring and uplifting for a tired heart and mind and when combined with deeper meditation and yoga practice can be life affirming.  

We must remember to be kind to ourself too. When the heart is touched by the pain of the world and there is grief we feel it. It means we’re human beings. And yet we’re not tasked to carry the weight of the whole world on our shoulders (thinking it’s all down to us is a tad egotistical really). If something moves us to act we should listen however I know I’m mindful to not get too carried away with telling others how to live – I’m the one that has a lot to learn, or unlearn. 

Ramana Maharshi is quoted as having said 

“Your own Self-Realisation is the greatest service you can render the world.”

This is not meant in any selfish sense, more I think it echoes the sentiments of Jesus when he implores us to ‘cast out the beam in thine own eye’ – in having the courage to do so we may then be of even more value to a troubled world. 

So does practicing yoga mean the world will change to be the way we want it to be? Of course not, there’s a far greater mystery unfolding than how we would like things to be. Does it offer tools that will shield us from the challenges of life? No. 

But it can equip us to meet life head on with an open heart, it can inspire us, it can sustain us and, with grace and a fair wind, it can open our eyes and hearts to the fundamental mystery that lies at the heart of all beings. And in doing so this further enables to share, sustainably, the teachings of yoga and meditation in a world where they’re more necessary than ever.

1.  I use the phrase ‘make time’ relatively often and I feel, more and more, that we have to take responsibility for making time for what we know serves us. Life seems to be getting busier and busier, or at least full of more and more distraction, that we have to at some point say ‘no’ and take that 20 or 30 minutes that we need.