intention

My intention over the next seven days is to consciously cultivate a personal and intimate understanding of the Qualities of a Yoga Teacher, the Ethics of a Yoga Teacher, the Seat of a the Teacher, and a Sacred Contract.

practice

Practice daily. Use your daily practice this week to create action. Enjoy the Sacred Preparation FIRE playlist. We are working with the third chakra Manipura. The practice theme for this month is Confidence. See the Virtual Class Studio or Live Class Recordings.

meditation

Practice daily for 3-11 minutes. Use your meditation this week to prepare your will, intention, and actions for growth.

coursework

one: Set up a time to observe class, or observe a class online so you can take notes. What do you notice?
two: Determine for yourself what would make you an ethical yoga teacher.
three: What does it mean to take the seat of the teacher?
four: Sacred Contract see Soul Contract on pg. 19 in Angelus

READING

articles: pg. 128-138
books: Continue Reading

journal

one: What did you notice about the classes that you took? Please exercise restraint when it comes to judgment and preference - there is something to learn from every experience.
two: What is non-negotiable to you? Where are your gray areas? What do you think are the important ethics for your personally as a yoga teacher?

on geneva

one: To the list of qualities (from the first week about what make an excellent yoga teacher/class) add what makes a good teacher and a good class. What qualities and actions bring value?
two: Return to and refine the sentence: I stand for … and share, again.

FIRE - Week ONE: Session 1: Qualities of a Yoga Teacher

Discussion
We discuss the qualities, ethics and seat of a yoga teacher; and make a sacred contract. Before we do, I want to touch on the limb of tapas - the “burning zeal” in your practice.

“Tapas means a burning effort under all circumstances to achieve a definite goal in life. It involved purification, self-discipline, and austerity. The whole science of character building may be regarded as a practice of tapas. -BKS Iyengar from Light on Yoga

How to cultivate the practice of Tapas: 

• Find the self-discipline to practice yoga - this means starting a daily practice for even a few minutes each day.

• Instead of making excuses, find a way to work your practice into your life.

• Listen to your body and work to find balance.

• Keep working with a pose - don’t give up .

• Continue to give your full effort - don't do it half-heartedly.

• Ground fully, breathe deep and strive to reach a deep relationship with spirit.

• Take it to the next level.

• Each pose creates raw energy that stimulates the muscles and the mind.

• Strive to purify.

• By exhibiting purity in daily life, you are becoming closer to your soul, or God, depending on what you are searching for.

• Simply your life.

• As you unclutter your mind and material possessions, you may be able to more closely focus on the teachings of Yoga. With all the distractions in life, exert extra tapas to stay connected.

• Learn to appreciate stillness.

• Energy can be created by remaining still.

• Discipline is required to be in a pose for a measure of time - let tapas keep your arms up, you back elongated and your head in the pose.

• You can apply tapas to any part of your life - it isn’t something that must be done, it simply is done. It is an internal discipline that drives you forward, using the practice as a medium.

FIRE - Week ONE: Session 2: Ethics for Yoga Teachers

Discussion
Before our session, please review the Yoga Alliance Code of Conduct document and come ready to discuss. To overview, there are 8 points.

1. Uphold the integrity of my vocation by conducting myself in a professional and conscientious manner.

2. Acknowledge the limitations of my skills and scope of practice and where appropriate, refer students to seek alternative instruction, advice, treatment, or direction.

3. Create and maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for the practice of yoga.

4. Encourage diversity actively by respecting all students regardless of age, physical or mental limitations, race, creed, gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or identity.

5. Respect the rights, dignity, and the privacy of all students.

6. Avoid words and actions that constitute sexual harassment.

7. Adhere to the traditional yoga principles as written in the Yamas and Niyamas.

8. Follow all local government national laws that pertain to my yoga teaching and business.

"As yoga teachers, we are leading examples to our students. We have a responsibility to them, to other teachers, and to ourselves to behave in a moral and ethical manner and to maintain a high degree of personal integrity. The following ethical principles are general guidelines of behavior instead of rigid rules. These guidelines must be applied on a relative basis to each unique circumstance and context in which the yogi is involved. Overall, we seek to glorify that which is life enhancing, beautiful, and auspicious." - from Anusara Yoga 

• Honor and love yourself as a Divine being full of goodness and greatness.

• Stay centered in yourself and you will connect more powerfully with students.

• Have faith and trust in the power of the Divine. Put your will in alignment with the will of the Divine and open to the power of Grace.

• Conduct and express yourself in a genuine manner that reflects your love, respect, and wonder for the art. This expression comes naturally out of your practice. Show your enthusiastic love of sharing yoga with the students in every gesture, facial expression, and voice inflection. This also makes it easy and enjoyable to listen to you.

• Show humility. Show and admit your limitations - don't put yourself down, but objectively show your physical limitations and the limits of your knowledge of yoga. When you don't know the answer to a question say I don't know. Be willing to do research and to bring an answer back to the student as soon as possible. Your honesty and diligence will earn respect from the students.

• Be welcoming to all students.

• Give feedback by first looking for what is right - the beauty, the light, the positive in people and things - instead of the unpleasant, the dark or what is negative or incorrect. In this way you always give the student the benefit of the doubt.

• Use right speech. Speaking is one of our primary forms of communication. Awareness not only of what we say, but also of how and when we speak will help to maintain right speech. Before speaking, ask yourself: 

  • Is it truthful? 

  • Is it necessary to say? 

  • Is it the appropriate time? 

  • Can it be said in a kind way?

• Be modest when showing or describing your talents and experiences. The more you try to impress the students, the more you are likely to create discord and lack of rapport with the students.

• Truthfully inaccurately represent your teaching experience and training in all self-promotions.

• Be loving, kind, friendly, and respectful to students. Willing to serve and help them as best you can. Honor them as Divine beings full of goodness and greatness. Be courteous and polite. Say please.

• Respect students as intelligent, educated, and mature people. Be personable. Address students by name. Never demean or abuse a student physically or verbally. Never hit, slap, kick, or yell at a student.

• Never condescend, degrade, or talk down to students. Never scold a student.

• Never judge the character of a student by making a broad statement. You can say particular observations about behavior in the moment.

• Be compassionate and willing to serve students selflessly and unconditionally. For every step that the student takes towards the teacher, the teacher should take two steps towards the student.

• Be generous with your time and energy towards students. Make yourself available to answer questions or to listen to a student's comment before or after class. Be willing to offer time to a particular student working on a pose or an issue they may be having trouble with. 

• Motivate and inspire students to optimum alignment, action, and attitude. Be positive and give constructive reinforcement. When students do something that is commendable, tell them. Smile, with approval or gesture with your hands, to positively support good work.

• Encourage and honor independent thinking in the spirit of exploration in the student. The student respectfully disagrees with you on a particular teaching point because their experience is different than yours, they should be honored for that.

• Be patient with yourself and students. Acknowledge that yoga is a process

• Be confident and strong in your actions and words to express your authority appropriately. You are in the seat of the teacher, so you're in charge of the class. Stand tall with full power.

• Stand and walk around while teaching so that you exude more enthusiasm, dynamism, and awareness. Sitting or standing fixed in one place generally reduces the energy of the class and energy of the teacher can seem less powerful to the students.

• Keep your arms by your sides and your heart lifted. Not only does this posture exhibit confidence and a positive attitude, but it also leaves your hands free to adjust students' posture. Be aware of nervous or extraneous hand gestures - they may cause the students to misinterpret your attitude as one of disinterest or lack of confidence.

FIRE - Week ONE: Session 3: The Seat of the Teacher

As yoga teachers, we are an example and role model for many people. Our behavior reflects upon the great tradition and lineage of yoga which we represent. Consequently, we must exhibit a very high degree of personal integrity in all matters, both inside and outside the classroom. A high standard of professional competence and integrity can be maintained through regular practice and study, and a virtuous and healthy lifestyle. A high degree of personal integrity is a prerequisite in order to be well respected as a professional yoga teacher.

Many students look to the yoga teacher as a guide and mentor, not only for physical development, but for emotional and spiritual development as well. Students tend to project high ideals onto the teacher, so they often think the teacher is in some way more advanced than they are. Consequently, the student will tend to trust and open up to the teacher in a more psychically vulnerable and emotionally receptive way than in most relationships. This creates an inherent power differential between the teacher and the student. Because of this power differential, we must be vigilant to uphold the integrity of the seat of the teacher. We must never exploit the vulnerability of the student for our own personal and inner gratification. Clear boundaries must be established and maintained in our role of serving our students.

You must take the responsibility of creating and sustaining both the sacred and safe environment for all students. The student needs to be able to take refuge safely in the seat of the teacher - the honorable role or the position the teacher represents. Trust in the seat of the teacher needs to be present for any deep transformations to occur in the student. As a yoga teacher, follow these guidelines:

• Honor and embrace the seat of the teacher.

• Verbally honor your teachers in the sources of your knowledge and skill during each class.

• Be happy and content in the seat of the teacher. The seat of a teacher is a gift. By remembering this, you can stay centered in the midst of criticism or disapproval. You will not always please everyone with your classes. Some disapproval is normal. Do not be disturbed by the students who seem unresponsive.

• Avoided sexual relationships with students. When a sexual attraction occurs between you and a student wait before acting on the attraction. If the student-teacher relationship is about to be compromised by any intimate relationship, it is advisable for the teacher to assist the student in finding another qualified yoga teacher.

• Never sexually harass a student.

• Follow all civil laws and other legal codes of behavior.

• Stick to your convictions about being a model person and teacher. Be steadfast in your ethical behavior towards others. Be resolute and committed to all spiritual observances.

• In speaking publicly about other yoga teachers or yoga systems, always only say something positive. Never publicly degrad other yoga teachers or yoga systems.

• Avoid making direct comparisons between your students. This way we can cultivate harmony and unity in the community. It further honors the great art and tradition of yoga that we represent.

• When in doubt, do that which is life-affirming, truthful and freedom enhancing.
  
  

  ✅ Review the Housekeeping and Agreements page near the beginning of the manual.  

FIRE - Week ONE: Session 4: Sacred Contracts

“Sacred contracts maintain that energetic dialog with yourself and with everyone else in the room.”- Erica Jago

A Sacred Contract:

• is not about saying what you mean, it's about meaning what you say.

• says, “I am going to do this. I am going to focus on this everyday.”

• is about sharing your passions with those that will support and lift you up.

It has been said that we made a sacred contract with the people in our lives before we even got here. 

• says, “Will you please remind me that this is why I came here, to do this.”

• is an energetic alignment and reminder between all of you.

• supports your spiritual growth.

Every experience is an opportunity to grow and transform your life. Every experience is your opportunity to choose how to exercise that power.

• You want to get hyped on the idea before you even come to the table. 

• Let them believe that you can do this with their support. Let it click. Let this be a significant moment to your beginning.

Dear Family,

I am taking part in a transformational experience
in which I intend to explore my potential through the practice of yoga,
and if I feel called, to serve and teach others.

This is an endeavor that is very meaningful to me
and I am entering into it knowing that my commitment will require structured routine.
To be successful, I will need your help.

These next 20 weeks are sacred.
Please sign below if you understand and agree to cooperation.

As your family member and biggest cheerleader,
I will support you with positivity and give extra care where needed so that you can focus on this journey.

Signatures here.

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

Call Notes

FIRE November
Qualities of a Yoga Teacher, Ethics for Yoga Teachers, Seat of the Teacher, Sacred Contract
Friday 11:30am - 1:00pm
Date: 11.8.23 WEEK 1

Prep
What makes a yoga class great for you?

To be able to offer the kinds of classes that you noted, what qualities would you want to embody? Which of these qualities do you exhibit or maybe want to exhibit?

What unique gifts, natural interests, abilities, or mission do you bring to the seat of the teacher? 

What do you stand for? What do you seek to offer through your classes? - Breakout session

Call Flow
11:30 - 11:45 am (15 min) Opening: quote from The Kings
11:45 - 12:15 pm (30 min) Talk Topics: Ethics exercise, Chakra map gifts exercise, Qualities of a Yoga Teacher, Congruency, Group discussion: What makes a yoga class great for you? Leadership, Limitations
12:15 - 12:45 pm (30 min) Forum: Breakout session
Which of these are qualities do you exhibit or want to exhibit?
What unique gifts, natural interests, abilities, or mission do you bring to the seat of the teacher? What do you stand for?
12:45 - 1pm (15 min) Questions and Closings: Honoring Leadership x Pixie Lighthorse

Openings

When you find your flow, things get easier and there's a positive feedback loop where the goodness multiplies. When there's overwhelm, exhaustion, or confusion, however...those things will multiply and create a negative feedback loop. You get to choose whether you spiral up or spiral down. 
- The Kings 

Yoga helps you to spiral up.

You are the center of your own circumstance. You’ve heard me say this in class because I say it a lot. You’re not the center of the universe, but you are the center of your circumstances. The common denominator in all of your experiences is you. While I believe this to be true, there are more parts to this center than just you. Your center is intimately affected by those you see every day. Those whose lives are directly impacted by yours and vice versa. 

You always have a choice on which direction you want to go.

Ethics exercise
I want you to please write down this list that I got when I put “ethics” into google. 

Justice
Beneficence - kindness, mercy
Autonomy
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Integrity
Honesty
Non Maleficence - do no harm
Loyalty
Fairness
Accountability
Law
Respect
Fidelity
Transparency
Respect for others
Morality
Distributive justice: the perceived fairness of an allocation or, more broadly, how people judge what they receive 
Trustworthiness
Dignity
Environmentalism
Commitment to excellence
Caring
Compliance
Compassion
Concern for others

Now, I’m going to read through this list and I want you to circle ones that resonate, that feel like you and cross out ones that aren’t as important. I would hope that all of these are important to you, however, we are all going to pursue these to various degrees. I don’t need to know where you are on a scale of 1 to 10 on each of these, but you may want to do that as well. 

I would like for you to dig deep, get out of the people pleasing mentality, it's just you and yourself here. 

The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is certainty. 

My take. Justice, justice is important, but it's not as important to me. I think a need for justice can hinder healing - for example. Okay.

Beneficence, kindness, mercy, yes, autonomy, yes. Informed consent. Yes, confidentiality, yes, very high on my list. Integrity, very high. Honesty as well. Very important. Absolutely. Non-beneficence - do no harm, absolutely loyalty, absolutely. Fairness, not as important.

All of these are important. Absolutely all of them.

But whether it's fair, that doesn't really concern me, as much as accountability.

Law, not as important to me. Respect. Yes, fidelity. Not so much - Loyalty, yes, but fidelity - I will be faithful to myself. Note your response to what I just said. Alright.

Transparency. Yes. I demonstrated transparency just then. Respect for others. Yes, morality, also not as important to me. I think there's a wide variety of what people will consider moral. Outside of things like thou shalt not kill. I think there's a wide range of morality.

My engagement with morality is much larger. And less singular than say. Transparency.

Respect for others. 

Distributive justice, the perceived fairness of or an allocation of how people judge what they receive. Again, very important. But it's not where I focus my expression of ethics. Okay.

Trustworthiness.

And I'm only telling you this because it's the truth for me. I don't need to explain to you why justice or distributive justice aren't as important to me as respect.

Dignity, originally not that important to me. But that's changing. I want to give people the dignity of their own experience. (Agatha - don’t steal her crisis.) Environmentalism, very high, Commitment to excellence. High, Caring high. Compliance. Not as much. Compassion, very high. concern for others, very high.

Okay, so why am I telling you all of this? Why are we doing this exercise? We are doing this exercise because it's important to consider your ethics and where and how you live those ethics, in an attempt to understand that your way is only one way. Alright

So you can hold, both your own boundaries for your own self. And exercise allowance and tolerance.

Every situation is different. 

Chakra map gifts exercise
We are going to return to the chakras again. For the purposes of this program, remember that the chakras are a map. However, a map isn’t real, but the journey that it maps out is. It also shows what we already have within ourselves. So we can map or source these qualities within ourselves.

1st Grounded We need to be grounded. That would be the 1st chakra

2nd Creative We're looking for creativity, second chakra

3rd Authentic, passionate When we need authenticity. We want to fuel our passion. We go to the third chakra.

4th Loving, compassionate, good boundaries When we want to set strong boundaries and be loving and be compassionate. We would go to the heart.

5th Communication speaking as well as listening

6th Vision Visionary in your capacity to see the light in everyone 

7th Inspiration then to find inspiration for greatness, you would go to the crown.

Exercise
3.5 minutes, 30 seconds per chakra, 1 or 2 gifts for each of the chakras. 

Example: nourishment, aliveness, sense of presence, relaxation, claiming the right to be here are all gifts of the 1st chakra. This month, fire - the gifts of inner strength, commitment, passion, authenticity, risk.

Later on, you can begin to share the teachings of these gifts in class.
Then you can consider what kinds of practice, or postures, or music, or reading, or talking points might exemplify the gift you are working with. 

Qualities of a Yoga Teacher
In general, the qualities that I most experienced from my teachers were that they were/are inspiring and inspired

from - Simon Park strength and flexibility, fun, flow
from - Kristin Copper "the velvet hammer" power delivered with a velvet touch
from - Kas + Moni hospitality, family, support
from - Beth pure love, hugs
from - Amy Ipoliti joy, alignment, shakti
from - Kripalu Shakti, family, communication
from - Shiva Rea all the things, poetry in motion, deep bliss flow, fluidity, inner strength, dance
from - Elena education, elegance, study, relationship, words, engagement, honesty, boundaries
from - Erica design, art, speaking and using words, creative encouragement, investment
from - Sabine took us next level consciousness, power of consistent practice, wit, music
from - Ulla alignment, community, authenticity
from - Rebecca likeability, advanced asana
from - Selena embracing all of myself and especially my foibles

List from the YTT 2022 class: reverence, thick-skinned: ability to receive criticism. yoga teacher should be confident, kind, loving, attentive, helpful, authenticity, humility, integrity, flexible, good-humored, reflective, creative, brave, transparent, devoted, attentive, compassionate, life long learner, helpful, authenticity, compassion, openness, softness, interconnectedness, willingness to listen and adapt, warm, authentic, intuitive, observant (watches class for response, ability) flexible (in nature not physically) and solid cues, good energetic presence, an inclusive, welcoming environment is important for both new and current students, just a warm, authentic smile or acknowledgement aids with creating a great environment, although knowledge/precision is great, I appreciate authenticity, should things  go not quite right and the ability to acknowledge that and be okay is both humbling and relatable. I will have to be okay as a Yoga Teacher that some students may prefer another style than mine and it’s okay. As a people pleaser, I think I could easily get caught up in wanting everybody to love my classes and struggling with criticism.  But I also know  that I appreciate some teacher’s style over others. It’s okay to not be somebody’s cup of tea and to appreciate those that do resonate with you.

Congruency
Only you know what values matter to you. When your values are close to you and expressed consistently in your actions, they manifest into behaviors that represent your character. You become the type of person others can depend upon because you’re consistent and what you value is transparent. Being who you say you are, and doing what you say you do. Staying true to your values and commitments results in follow through and, through time, you demonstrate behaviors that generate trust and respect. If you say you stand for being one way and you are naturally another you won’t be in congruence because it goes against your nature. Allow your statements to be said in a way that is most congruent, most true. 

Like if I were to say that I can communicate clearly and concisely and always be precise with my words, I would never be in congruence. So one of the things that I've done over the years is lean into my authenticity. I am willing to make mistakes and be confident when I do, and continue moving and doing my best, knowing that I'm getting better. And the bonus is that I can be relatable. 

Also it takes a lot of the pressure off me because I want autonomy for you; I want you to do what I ask, or consider, for you, not for me, right. Ok, so that's congruence.

Group discussion
On Geneva I asked you to share: What makes a yoga class great for you?
I gathered up all of your answers and this is what you said .. 
(Share YTT Qualities of an Excellent Teacher/Class - *This is on Geneva
Do you think there is anything missing here?

So to be able to offer the kinds of classes that you noted, what qualities would you want to embody? Which of these qualities do you exhibit or maybe want to exhibit?

Share - practice active listening

Leadership
As yoga teachers we offer a different kind of leadership to our students. This type of leadership leads students to their own hearts and souls - their own inner experience. Yes, it is important to have a high degree of integrity, to exhibit many of the qualities you came up with, and be able to demonstrate and articulate what you stand for. Being clear about where you stand personally creates space for students to know you, like you, and most importantly to trust you. I want to emphasize the significance of your role to create a safe space for self-discovery. The expectation is not that you will be a shining perfect example of a yogi realized, but that you are a real person working through life with the tools you have been given through your practice. Your natural inclinations, talents, and the skills you develop will influence how you lead and how you are perceived as a leader. As you continue work through the course work and this program, please keep this in mind. Alright?

Limitations
I do not think that the idea of being limitless is impossible; there are things we learn through yoga and life that seem impossible in the beginning only to be realized later on. One of the magic tricks of yoga is that the impossible becomes possible. That said, I do not think that a limit is a negative. Limits, like boundaries, create potency. 

ikigai is the combination of what you love, what you need, and what the people want,
which is about knowing your audience.

Break out session - *next time
What unique gifts, natural interests or abilities, or mission do you want to bring to the seat of the teacher?

What do you stand for?

What do you seek to offer through your classes?

We'll do breakout rooms, groups of 3 - random. Let each person speak for 4 minutes. (Timer)

On our next call, I plan to share the methodology for designing a class.

One more thing, how was everyone feeling about the Geneva discussions? 

Remember to add your checks as you work through the assignments. 

Closing:

Prayer Honoring Leadership x Pixie Lighthorse
We're gonna go ahead and end with a prayer Honoring Leadership by Pixie Lighthorse, so please settle in. And listen and this will close our time together. 

Thank you for this holy day rising. We are nervous, but we can step up. We have reservations, but we have your support. Sponsor our causes when we find good way.

For the sake of our precious short lives, make leaders of us, because after all, we’re here. We’re all ears. Guide us to study the chemistry lesson for living from our hearts and allowing the ripple to flow out and into our communities. Teach us right messages. Give us the foresight to understand the consequences of our works and actions.

Help us with our confidence.

Drench us in your abundant fragrances and drape us in ferns and forest mosses so that we may know the pleasure and joy of setting verdant examples. Muddy our shoes so that those in our footsteps leave perfection behind in favor of adventure and the exploration of new ways. Let us show up not as stoic, humorless, presences to those learning and watching, but allow them to see us in our humble states and able to turn difficult situations around on a dime then that’s what’s called for. Help us do the best we can and make the best of challenging situations.

Help us put our hearts on the line.

Hold our hands as we unfurl our teacher’s wings. Let the songs unleash in our hearts and carry our melodies over the mountaintops and through the snaking rivers, cleansing and opening those who hear them. We know that open hearts are what heal the world, so let us open … open … open.

Reveal our souls to us so that we may know ourselves and understand what is needed.

Put us in front of those who want to listen. Work with our tongues and our paralyzed voices to clear the way so we can say what needs to be said.

Please note that there are two audio recordings. The audio is the unedited version of the video. The room recording is a better overall recording, but was too big to download so it is linked. The room recording is also not edited, but it does stop during the group discussion. My suggestion would be to listen to the room recording.

Date: 11.9.24 Fire Week 1
Class: 9 - 10am Fire Practice
Clinic: 10:15am - 1pm Becoming a Yoga Teacher 

Plan
9 - 10 am Class: Fire Practice
transition
10:15 am - 1 pm Becoming a Yoga Teacher
10:15 - 10:45 am Check-in with each other while I set up. 
10:45 - 11:15 am Movement Break: King of the Mountain and Meditation on Shanti mantra
11:15 - 11:30 am Exemplary Yoga Teacher and Ethics: Small Group discussion
11:30 am - 12 pm Movement Break: Sun A and Sun B   
12 - 12:15 pm The Many Aspects of Teaching
12:15 - 12:30 pm Seat of the Teacher: Group discussion, excerpt from Radical Acts
12:30 - 1pm Questions, Sacred contract and Light of the Heart Kriya to close
*Everything is subject to change.

Check-in with each other while I set up. Get into small groups and share about this week’s YTT subjects, how you are doing, etc. Then when I’m set up, a spokesperson for each group can share a summary and then each person in the group can add or clarify. Sound good?

King of the Mountain Tadasana (use Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin)
The below is paraphrased/directly quoted from a class taught by Nevine Michaan, 2018 and can be found in the book Katonah Yoga on the Mat

We're going to do King of the Mountain. This is where you get to see a lot of your techniques. Remember that when anybody does anything they're pulling it out of themselves. This is how I know to do it. This is the recipe, do it 2 - 3 x, the way it was calibrated. But at the end of the day, everybody goes home, everybody will do it however they want because everybody has different ingredients. People have their own recipes and directions they can add to it.

Remember when you want to build spirit, it's communal. Spirit grows when the community grows the spirit. And that's why there are lots of different spirits.

The beauty of a great King of the Mountain is that the outside is very still. It is very stable. On the inside it is very dynamic. 

I'm going to teach you how to do all your circuits so that you don't lose your mind standing there wondering "What am I going to do here for eight minutes?  

You're first going to do effort and grace. Then we'll just switch over to breathe of the seasons. By the time it's done, you're going to be so well wrapped up that you're going to forget your arms are up in the air. And once you realize that you can do that, it adds all these other little things that you didn't know. 

With your arms up in the air all the heat will come out of your body. The heat is in the mountain and if you really open up the mountain, you see that there's a volcano in there. Also, the water goes down the mountain. So if you have too much water in you, it's going to start pouring out.

Tadasana is a mountain. Bring your feet together. Place your tongue lightly in the center of your upper palette. Bring your knees together. Bring your ankles together. Keep moving. Occupy center, mediate circumference. The goal is to be the sovereign of your dominion. Follow your breathing. Close your eyes. Inhale and exhale. Your heart knows it wants to sing to an audience. Your kidneys are now level and your lungs are at a perfect spot. So now you can open up your windows, get enough air and be in the middle of yourself.

Interlace your fingers. Palms up. Bring your block overhead. This is your crown. The big trick is don't drop the block. Open your imagination. Send the line from the universe all the way through your throat, your torso, your perineum. Descend it into the earth so you occupy the center of your sphere. 

Potential in front. Memories behind. Grace is descending. Effort is rising. And everything is happening around you. So if you know grace and effort, grace descends in front of you as water, effort ascends up your back as fire. So be graceful and make your efforts. Smile. Only because an inner smile is incredibly radiant and it radiates your chemistry in the subtlest way. That's why the minute somebody's smiling at you, you react. So remember you're not smiling at anybody. They might think but you're not. You do it for you. Take your time.

When you're in the heels of your feet, you are in your past. In the balls of your feet, you are in your future. Present becomes memory. Memories push you forwards and you become reflective. Keep moving. Front is your future, behind you are your memories and in the middle, is your present. 

Be present. Keep moving. Inhale, let spring rise. Hold your breath. Let summer ripen. Exhale, let autumn descend, be empty for winter and then do it again. Most of it is, deal. Deal. Know what to remember. Know what to forget. Forget how hard it is. Remember you're going to get through it. At the end, you will totally forget it was hard because you will have gotten through it. 

Organize yourself. When you're well organized, you get ease. It is easier on the heart, your vision is clear, you have options. So what is this for? It is to really own your nature. To know how the elements work. How to hold it together. And how to really achieve dominion as you practice. Isn't that a nice trick?

I have to learn how to hover, to be here. I do everything I can, but I don't get to leave the pose. That's a very good way to learn a private practice. Pick a piece of music you like and don't stop until it's done. 

Mediation on Shanti mantra

Shanti Path Upanishad

Saha navavatu
Saha nau bhunaktu
Saha viryam karavavahi
Tejasvi navadhitamastu
Ma vidvisavahai
Om, shanti, shanti, shanti

May we together be protected. 
May we together be nourished. 
Maybe we practice with great courage and energy. 
May our  studies be brilliant and effective.
Maybe we never argue or dispute amongst ourselves.
Om, peace, peace, peace.

Saha navavatu

May we together be protected from anything beyond our personal control that might distract us from our joint endeavor of immersing ourselves in yoga. May all disasters be kept at Bay, including the attack of wild animals, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunami, fire, or sociopolitical, or economic disaster we understand that much is within the realm of our personal control, and that yoga will reveal these tendencies, especially that which is self-imposed self limiting itself negating we agree to address these issues and take personal responsibility and resolving them. Please powers that be, protect us in our sprout phase.

Saha nau bhunaktu

May we together be nourished, let us be conscious as to which aspects of the self are. We are feeding, developing discernment and cultivating wisdom rather than the ego beast of self-aggrandizement. Hungry as we are for yoga let us realize that it is a lengthy process in which the teachings cannot be gulped down rather than stuffing our minds with information maybe save the process and extract the nectar of the teachings masticate and digest them and receive their true vitality let us assimilate the teachings so that they become integrated in the very matrix of our being from the cellular level of our bodies to the fabulous depths of our psyches. Let us not bite off more than we could chew but be patient although it may be better at times maybe we learn to relish our process. May it not go over or to our heads, be misused or abused, but become part of our very constitution so we can have interplay with it in our life experience and journey please power that be feed our little sprout.

Saha viryam karavavahi

May I work together, be courageous, heroic, and brave in the face of obstacles or past defeat. Let us be tirelessly, optimistic, and enthusiastic in our endeavor, recognizing that facing our difficulties and challenges ourselves is the process and the experience of yoga. Maybe we learn to stand on our own as yoga as a practice of self actualization, recognition and realization we are here to make a valiant effort. This is a warrior path without room for complete blame or feeling victimized. The only battle is with Confused values of priorities a limited sense of self and complacency may be strengthened by the greatness of this endeavor and take confidence in the teaching to help us navigate on this journey through self we develop competence through our diligence, replacing insecurity, yoga here to bring out the best in us to strengthen yet humble us let us work together wholeheartedly on this quest to unravel life’s greatest mysteries this is life’s greatest endeavor, the sprout of our intention, become a strong tree that will offer other shade and support.

Tejasvi navadhitamastu

May our studies together be brilliant and uplifting. May they affect us profoundly. We understand that the more we come into the light, the more shadows will appear if we reach deep within yoga will shed light on the hidden aspects of our being particularly that which has remained in penetrable Transforming and enlightening us, and we have a sense of humor at our foils, be lighthearted, and full of joy, passionate radiant, and a blaze without committing harm to others are becoming inflamed in our our egos we are here to be effective and as all our thoughts and feelings and emotions are contagious we hope it will affect everyone we come into contact with as the lighting of one lamp to another. We pray that we will inspire the elevation of our culture and society as a whole for the greatest work we could do for one another is to work on ourselves. May all of humanity and all walks of life enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Ma vidvisavahai

In this process of exploration beyond the familiar perimeters of our being. It is inevitable that knee-jerk responses of self protection will be triggered. May we never feel personally attacked or argue and dispute amongst ourselves for this would be disastrous. As we scrutinize, our involuntary emotional and psychological responses. Let us never question one another’s sincerity, but continue forward in mutual respect and recognition. We agree to be careful not to project or transfer our venom onto one another and most especially not the teacher. We must not shoot the messenger, but realize that we’ve employed the teacher to take us where we could not venture on our own. Let us strengthen one another in this process and empower the teacher to empower us. May we trust ourselves to the practices and be peeled back, layer by layer to reveal our souls light and expand our potential to feel peace. May this process born of love and respect help to alleviate some of the animosity in the world.

Shanti, shanti, shanti

Let us do everything in peace. May we make peace with the past, letting go of the past resentment, judgments, and any sense of defeat.
We are here now to discover the peace that lies inherent underlying our turbulent tendencies.
We are here to sow seeds of peace for the future. May we continue forth with our initial enthusiasm and persevere; for although easy to start and easy to end, it is in the maintenance that we discover yoga. God willingly, may it come to a fortuitous end!

The Exemplary Yoga Teacher by Amy Ipoliti

I define this type of teacher as a role model and example for others 

… is both inspirational and down-to-earth 

… has boundaries but is also available 

… is authentic and so encourages students to be themselves as well 

… follows a code of ethics that helps them move in the world with sensitivity and consideration for others and a high regard for the teacher-student relationship. 

This teacher embraces collaboration with colleagues and is community oriented.
With students and colleagues, and in the larger community, this person

… embodies warmth and caring.

An exemplary teacher is relentlessly real - honest, trustworthy, and fair. This teacher understands that there is an exchange between the teacher and students, and the teacher wants their students to get extra value for their investment. 

While some students may want to place this teacher on a pedestal and view this person as somehow superhuman, the teacher does not allow it. Exemplary teachers want to be on mats, not on pedestals!

Without being falsely self-deprecating, an exemplary teacher acknowledges their own foibles. 

While confident in the role as teacher … is also always learning and sometimes struggling. It's not a weakness to acknowledge difficulty; in fact, it can be a bridge to greater connection. 

Ethics small group discussion
What are your personal ethics?
Where do you have gray areas? 

Movement: Sun A and Sun B

Many aspects of teaching

Being a yoga teacher carries with it much joy, as well as much responsibility. Class provides opportunities for growth and to witness the growth of others. In the role of a student or teacher, we can be caring and also invite ourselves and others to take responsibility for their inner and outer journey. Teaching is an art that encompasses many aspects, including:

● Learning how to be with yourself in a way that is fulfilling

● Learning to be with yourself in a deep way, as the springboard for sharing depth with others

● Helping each person to enjoy their body, and accepting each person as they open inner doorways of transformation and health

● Knowledge of the techniques and material

● The ability to communicate

● Being objective, with a nonjudgmental attitude

● Willingness to grow and remain a student

● Permission to not know, to be the beginner, and to be a learne

● A sense of humor and play

● Dropping expectations to accomplish any goals

● Being willing to tune into your needs and the students’ needs

● Teaching from personal experience

● Sharing with gratitude what you have received from your own yoga teachers. 

● Cultivating humility

● Developing a way of seeing that allows you to be open and receptive to the moment

● Moving toward being ever increasingly non judgmental of yourself and others so that you may learn from everyone and everything around you

● Letting go of trying to get it right, striving for the end result, or trying to achieve anything, instead allowing yourself to flow with what is happening at any given moment

● Developing an intimate understanding of how to create a yoga experience

Seat of the Teacher discussion

What does it mean to take the seat of the teacher? You probably don’t know yet, but you may have gathered from these discussions what it might be about. Are you feeling intimidated? I remember what it felt like in my body to spend time with my teachers. 

I’m going to share an excerpt from Radical Acts of Embodiment by Dages Juvelier Keats about what a teacher is and is not. Dages is a Katonah Yoga teacher. 

Don’t worry too much about trying to understand everything before teaching anything. Follow your curiosity, embody what resonates, and teach your practice. 

Everyone has an angle. Each of us is only able to teach from our own subjectivity. While you may see common threads in the weaves of a student and similar foibles in their forms, try not to universalize – you are only seeing things from your point of view. 

One of the reasons we practice facing each other (like we did in class) or in a circle is to see that everyone is up to something, everyone has technique, and the community holds vital complexity. How we as individuals relate to others is an embodiment of ethics. I believe that it is important to know what your angles are when you are teaching. 

Each of us comes into the studio and encounters our own implicit biases.  It is crucial, as a teacher, to interrogate these. This is especially true when it comes to diagnostics, adjustments, and the “seat of the teacher.” 

When I am looking at someone as a teacher, my question is .. 

What does this person need to get them to where they want to go next? How do I orient them towards it?

The goal of the teacher is to share technique and teach skills. However, the role a teacher occupies varies subtly depending on what kind of class you are teaching - like private or group class or a workshop (or a TT). In all cases, you do not need to have all of the answers, nor do you need to pretend to. A valid answer to a student’s question is always “I don’t know.” 

Use the community to bolster the skills you already own and feel free to bring another teacher in for their opinion. Students are not clients, even if they are private 1:1 student. What can be tricky about being a yoga teacher is navigating personal boundaries ethically. 

The role of a teacher carries authority. Many students will put their teachers in a “power position” - it is our obligation to know that and take responsibility for our behavior. 

Some overall considerations:
● Offer your insights into what you can measure when you read someone.

● Don’t pathologize/diagnose your students.

● Know that they are “showing” and you are “seeing.”

● Know you are always coming from your own angle, which is why it can be so helpful to get another teacher’s opinion.

● Communicate what you see is working beautifully before pointing out “foibles.”

● Be mindful of how/who/when you offer to touch.

● Find stillness, quietude, and embodied presence everyday to recalibrate your own sense of being grounded, centered, and contained within yourself.

Boundaries:
I learned from my herbal wisdom teacher Robin Rose Bennett that boundaries are not about boundaries but having a self. When we act from the integrity of being a bounded self we are in a position to offer support for others. I find it helpful to speak with new teachers about what they don’t have to prepare for when working with students. Some boundaries I have developed through my teaching experience:

A yoga teacher is not a doctor.

● Yoga is a practice that is magical, not medical. Avoid speaking medical language unless you have the education and know what you are talkingabout. You do not have to own a medical dialogue to teach the metaphors and practical techniques.

● Some students will explicitly ask you “what should I do for x?” You may choose to offer prescriptive techniques. Include practices that will be supportive for them generally, rather than honing in on the “problem” area (the bad knee, the weak wrist, etc.). Cross reference and remember that a person lives in their whole body. Encourage techniques that will work in a general sense to open lungs, move fluids, and pique imagination.

A yoga teacher is not a therapist.

● For many of us, bringing awareness back into our bodily presence can be an emotional experience. Everything is happening in a person’s life when they arrive on the mat. Everyone is doing the best they can to handle the world, knowing that life is not fair. It is quite common for people to talk about all of the things in their life (especially when you are giving a private session) and sometimes ask for advice or witnessing. As a yoga teacher, you do not need to offer guidance, although you may be tempted to extend your nurturance and compassion.

● Personally, I find it very helpful to see a therapist and sometimes I use that facilitating environment to analyze interpersonal dynamics that arise in the teacher/student relationship. Sometimes my students’ behavior or circumstances – or whatever it is – will trigger some of my own reactivity. I like to have a place to understand what may be going on so that I can better care for the student as well as myself.

A yoga teacher is not a sex worker.

● Some people get very confused about the boundaries of touch and appropriate conduct in yoga environments. This is a result of a culture of profound disembodiment. Some students will find touch to be sexual or suggestive; some people come into yoga explicitly for this purpose. We all want to touch and be touched. We all need touch. However, the touch we use in the studio is never sexualized.

● Especially for younger teachers, it can be overwhelming when a student develops a crush, asks for a date, or in some way, consciously or not, sexualizes the situation. It is not uncommon for these boundaries to be tested and it is important to seek the help of mentors and a cohort to support you in being clear and firm. I have found it helpful to establish the professionalism of the teacher/student boundary by initially scheduling sessions with private students in the studio rather than in their homes.

A yoga teacher is not an employee. 

● This principle especially applies to working one-on-one in privates. A teacher transmits knowledge which is technical and skill-based. This is why I refer to individuals I work with as “students” rather than “clients.” I am there to teach, not to serve; to care, not to care-take.

● When working in a studio, of course, we need to honor our responsibilities to the business, remembering that our role is first and foremost as a teacher. Teaching is how we need to be spending our working time. I have found that burnout is more likely when we are investing more time in business administration than practice.