Behavior toward neighboring Yoga schools,
Yoga teachers, and their students, should be cordial. Like
the old saying goes, "If you do not have anything good to
say, do not say anything at all." When we speak of other
Yoga teachers, or former Yoga teachers, in a hostile manner,
what do we teach our students?
Unfortunately, Yoga teachers are human and behavior is not
always optimum. Show respect toward neighboring ashrams
by letting the director, master teacher, or guru, know about
your events - in the form of a letter or invitation. Do
not post your events on their doors, on their cars, and
on telephone poles nearby their ashram.
Do not encourage your Yoga students to tear down advertisements
of other local ashrams in the markets and local coffee shops.
Harmonious coexistence with local Yoga studios and ashrams
is healthy. When Yoga students are encouraged to become
sectarian, or elitist, they are being strayed away from
the true meaning of Yoga. Always remember Yoga means "unity."
Avoid moving your Yoga studio next door, above, below, or
across the street from another Yoga teacher. The world is
a very big place. There is no need for us to behave like
rivaling businesses. If that were acceptable, Yoga would
be just a business, and our true mission is to help others.
Try to maintain good relations with former Yoga teachers
and their students. Sometimes, there are complications in
the student / teacher relationship, but try to be as friendly
as possible.
Relationships with your Yoga students should be balanced
and kept intact. Yoga teachers should avoid using their
position for leverage or special favors. If you are having
feelings beyond the usual Yoga teacher / Yoga student relationship,
you should seek qualified advice, do some "soul searching,"
or withdraw yourself from the situation.
The Yoga studio is not a romantic playground, or part of
a dating service, for Yoga teachers. As a Yoga teacher,
your relationship is founded upon the trust of your students.
You also want to avoid "fueling" any distractions from Yoga
practice.
Lastly, you want to encourage your more advanced Yoga students
to become independent creators of their own practice. It
is nice to be needed, but your Yoga students will grow if
they are allowed to be innovators. You can always show them
the safest methods to keep them on the right track, but
you do not want your advanced Yoga students to feel dependent
on your existence.
To draw a small comparison: A pair of adult eagles takes
wonderful care of their chick, but someday, that chick will
grow to be as large as its parents. The solution is to encourage
their offspring to fly and become independent. You know,
you will not be around forever, so encourage your Yoga students
to keep the practice evolving.
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at
Aura in RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and
Yoga. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote:
Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students
wanting to be a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
