At some point on our yogic path, as teachers and leaders, it’s important that we re-evaluate some of the questions we asked when first diving into our teacher training. This post doesn’t aim to question ourselves, choices or integrity. But instead, some of the hidden or subconscious motives that we try and get from the practice. To shed light on some ego identifications and gain a greater perspective on what the yogic path is truly meant to give us.
I’m well aware that some of the things mentioned in this post can or possibly will trigger you to some degree. But as a spiritual mentor, I’d love to challenge our perception and speak on this subject for our own evolution and expansion of consciousness.
No 1. Why Have You Chosen To Become a Yogi?
I know the answer is never simple to this question. Many of us embarked on this journey simply as curious students of the practice, to become more flexible, stronger, or heal certain injuries, or whatever the case may be. I’m asking, though, why have you chosen to become a leader, and what are your deepest motives in doing so? Do the same motives still drive you since you first started? Or has your perspective and understanding of the path changed?
You see, sometimes, we are driven to make certain choices merely for ego-gratifications. We think once I do this, I will become worthy. Or once I learn to lead, I will finally be respected and loved. We derive our sense of self and worth through our job status or fame. And this goes for any career choice, not just yogis. These are all ego identifications, and it is not the true purpose of embracing the yogic path. Yoga isn’t supposed to elevate us above others in any way whatsoever or validate our sense of self, but rather help us connect to our hearts.
We’re essentially getting out of our heads, where our false sense of self derives, and into our bodies. To become more heart-centered beings, having gained a more balanced state through presence, awareness, and alignment with the truth that already resides within. If we are still identifying with our job title or status to derive our self-worth. If we are competing with others or seeking fame, these are all illusory and false motives of the ego. Do you still feel worthy, important, and deserving without your job title, likes, and status? Where do you derive your sense of worthiness from?
Ego gratifications and identifications are not based on solid foundations, and the illusion behind these foundations will eventually come to light or come crashing down. Just be prepared, so you don’t crash too hard. Remember, we live in a Universe where we are an intrinsic part of which is always conspiring for our evolution of consciousness. So, whether we like it or not, the Universe will play as a reflection, and it will eventually show us the illusory nature behind ego-driven actions.
No 2. How Teachable Are You As a Yoga Teacher Yourself?
Once we practice or teach yoga for several years, it might get to our heads and think that this is it. But the yogic path is an endless journey. It reminds me of Krishnamurti and one of his quotes. He said that the journey to self-knowledge is like an endless river. It is the same with our yogic path. In the end, we are lifetime students, just like with any other career choice. There is always room for betterment and improvement..
The goal of yoga is to stay open to different perspectives, more tolerable to other approaches and styles. As yoga evolved and developed in the west, it allowed many souls to embrace different paths. It’s not one size fits all. Also, student-teacher roles are always interchangeable and in a constant flow when it comes to yoga. We can always learn from others and vice-versa.
No 3. Are You Trying To Turn Your Students or Possible Co-Workers Into Someone They’re Not?
This is another important question to re-evaluate as a yoga teacher once we are in a leadership role, whether a founder of a yoga school or in a managerial position. Awareness is key, and awareness of any micromanaging tendencies regarding what someone should look like while teaching or how someone “should” teach, etc. While we have embraced a certain vision for ourselves, we have to remember to let go of control, if that’s the case, and allow others to feel deserving enough of the role as they come.
Sometimes, as a yoga teacher or leader we may unconsciously put ourselves in a superior role due to certain traits there could have developed when children. We may think we can be the caliber of how worthy, good, and deserving someone is at doing something. We can try to mold and shape someone into someone they’re not, forgetting to create the healthy separation and boundaries needed between them and us. These are all unconscious ego-projections, where we see someone not as they are but as we are or as we want to see them because our ego may feel threatened. To some extremes, we try to change them into someone we think would serve or fit our image.
Your students or possible future co-workers may often be very different and sometimes even mirror back to you your own ego-wounds. The beauty of yoga is that everyone has their unique personality and energy signature, and they are enough just as they are. Just because you may find it difficult to understand or resonate with someone, it doesn’t give you the excuse to misjudge them. So we have to be willing to be more respectful and open, question ourselves so that we don’t try to change anyone into who we think they should become. But allow them to be as they are and empower them to be the best version of themselves.
As a yoga teacher and leader, it’s also our responsibility to avoid, when possible, any staff members or students slamming other’s names with false statements, lying, or gossiping.
Please refer to the guidance for the code of conduct, code principle 3 of the Yoga Alliance Anti-Harassment Policy to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff in the school or studio that you run as a leader.
Code Principle 3 — Follow the Yoga Alliance Anti-Harassment Policy
Under Code Principle 3, Members MUST follow the Yoga Alliance Anti-Harassment Policy. Members MUST NOT harass Students, Trainees, employees, peers, other Members, other Teachers, Registered Yoga Schools (RYS™s), other schools, studios, or members of the public, in person or through online activities, now known or unknown, such as trolling, stalking, using hate speech, threatening, intimidating, falsely accusing, reporting of false grievances, manipulating, or otherwise harassing in any form or manner.
Don’t miss my life-transformative private yoga retreats here! Check out my post on how yoga helped heal my chronic digestive disorders here!
Blessings,
Jetona
