![]() |
Image from the Berlin Wall, 2017 |
Ahimsa, the Sanskit word usually
interpreted as “nonviolence,” is the essence of yoga. It is the very first of
the ten ethical guidelines of yoga, the yamas
and niyamas. Ahimsa is more accurately translated as “nonviolation.” Not only do you not harm, you do not move in where
you are not invited. This is foremost in the ethical practice and teaching of
yoga.
The ego is
a fragile thing. When the teacher’s self-importance moves out ahead of the
message, a power-over dynamic is conveyed. The teacher, subtly conveying his or
her superiority through language, sets up an energetic that augments
instructor’s self worth. Meanwhile, the student’s self-worth is diminished.
In Japanese
martial arts, the sensei is the
teacher. Sensei implies “the one who came before.” The sensei always has in
mind that just because she came before, it does not mean that she is more
enlightened. Her job is to prepare her student to be the next sensei. Our work
is the same in teaching yoga.
Yoga is
best offered with an open hand, not a fist. Consider how subtle changes in
delivery can empower the student:
Instead of
“I want you to,” try “I invite you to.”
Instead of
“pull your knee toward your chest,”
try “draw your knee…”
Instead of
“push your foot out to the side,” try
“press your foot…”
Instead of
“stretch your foot toward the
ceiling,” try “extend your foot…”
Instead of
“grab your left knee,” try “clasp your left knee…”
Instead of squeeze, crunch or tighten, try compress, hug, embrace or cradle.
Try elegant
words like elongate, lengthen and tone, instead of stretch.
Try words like allow, feel, notice,
inquire, ask your Self.
Pose questions, such as “What’s
happening now?” and “How is this side different than the other side?” and
“Where can you let go a little bit more?” Then give those present space
(silence) and time in which to explore the self-inquiry.
Instead of “Go ahead and…” or “Now I
want you to…” Try starting each
directive with a cue on the breath. For instance, “Exhale, take your right knee to your chest and clasp your knee.
Inhale, extend your knee away,. allowing your belly to rise. Exhale, draw your
knee in toward your chest, allowing the belly to draw in toward the spine…” Get
yourself out of the way and out of the picture. Move yourself to the
background. The focus is not on you, but on the student.