As my third wedding anniversary approaches, I was thinking back to when my husband and I first began dating. It was in 2008, the same year I completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training. As long as we’ve been together I’ve been teaching yoga...a decade! I can’t believe it! I couldn’t help to sit back and reflect on the past ten years of my life as a yoga teacher. Here’s 10 lessons I’ve learned, in no particular order, all of equal importance:
The opportunity to teach yoga is a gift. Yoga is an ancient practice, a science, an art, a tool for mankind to find peace. My hopes are that future generations of yoga teachers stick to the roots of yoga when sharing it with others. So much of what we know as yoga today has strayed away from the authentic teachings of yoga. The business of yoga has become competitive and at times cruel. That's not what yoga was ever meant to be. Whether you're a student of yoga or interested in becoming a yoga teacher, practice and study authentically with authentic teachers. If you can go to India! It's on my bucket list! Yoga is a gift.
Practice Yoga daily. If you’re like me, you have so much going on your life and struggle to find time to practice. Although my dream has always been to teach yoga full-time, it’s not a realistic goal for me. I have a full time career as a high school spanish teacher. Often I come home from school feeling emotionally and physically drained. The last thing I want to do is get off my couch and go to the yoga studio (to practice or to teach), yet in the back of my mind, yoga is what I need the most. It’s why I can’t quit. Yoga is a part of my life and always will be. Dedicate time each day to practice yoga, meditation and self-care. Live by the yamas and niyamas. Live your yoga! (Yoga is more than asana-the physical postures) https://kripalu.org/resources/yoga-s-ethical-guide-living-yamas-and-niyamas
Do what you love. Do I love owning a yoga studio? No. If anyone can testify to the struggles of owning a yoga studio it’s me. I’m on my third yoga studio. I’ve opened and closed studios because at times I feel a void in my life where I believe I have to have a dedicated space to practice and teach. Then at times, I struggle to find the time and finances to keep the space open. Although I currently own a studio, I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. All I know, is I won’t quit teaching. For those who have been practicing with me for the last decade, you know I’m always here, maybe at a different studio, maybe under a different name, but I’ve always been here and I’m not going anywhere. Teaching yoga is what I love.
Be present. All we really have is the present moment. “If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present.”-Maya Angelou
You can’t please everyone. Learn how to make yourself happy first. No one will ever understand the true you but you. It’s none of your business what other people think or say about you. Just be you. Live by the mantra “Sa Ta Na Ma” which translates to “truth is my name”. Speak and practice the truth even if it hurts.
Never stop learning. In life, there’s always something to learn. Whatever you’re into, learn more about it. Whatever you’re not into, learn something new. Whatever you learn can’t ever be taken away from you!
See the world. Traveling outside the U.S. gives you a deeper appreciation for what you have and changes your perspective on life for the better. Most of the world doesn’t live like us. Travel with gratitude. Respect each other’s differences, and most importantly eat their food! It also helps if you learn a second language, or two!
Spend time with children. They say that yoga releases your inner child. When I teach children’s yoga, my heart is full. For those of you who are parents to young children, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Kids may drive us nuts at times, but at the end of the day, they’re innocent beings who just want to be loved and are full of curiosity eager to learn. Cherish time with your little ones. They can actually teach you more than you know.
Spend time with animals, particularly dogs. If you know me I’m a dog lover. I have no children. My three dogs are my children. They love unconditionally and are always by your side. Nothing makes me happier than to come home at the end of the day to be greeted by their slobbering faces! Adopt. Rescue. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Have you ever wondered why most yoga poses are named after animals? According to Yoga Journal, [“One famous instance occurs near the end of the Mahabharata, India's monumental national epic. The god Indra invites the hero-king Yudhishthira (pronounced you-dish-TEER-ah) into heaven, if only he'll "cast off" his loyal canine companion. The righteous king refuses, saying, "I do not wish for prosperity if I have to abandon a creature who is devoted to me." As it turns out, the dog is none other than Dharma, the god of virtue; upon hearing these words, he assumes his true form and says to Yudhishthira, "There is no one in heaven equal to you."]
Believe in a higher power. God...The Universe... Buddha…There is something or someone greater than us. Have faith and pray. Prayers come true. Dreams come true. We are governed by nature-the five elements-water, air, fire, earth, space. Everything is a part of you and you are a part of everything. Be one with nature. When you’re feeling lost go into nature to be found. Listen to the rain. Listen to the birds. Listen to the river flowing over the rocks or the waves hitting the seashore. Look up to the stars, the moon and the sun. Climb that mountain. There’s magic all around us.
