“The Yoga Teacher” - Marco M.
The Yoga Teacher
As you well know, I compare a Yoga teacher to a gym teacher, from whom one doesn't expect a particular level of awareness. If it were otherwise, clearly as a school we wouldn't give the diploma to practically anyone; moreover, the diploma itself would make little sense.
Having said that, from a teacher you would still expect several things that should never be questionable:
That they respect the schedule, both at the start and at the end of the lesson. This means valuing and respecting the students’ time.
That they understand that the center of everything is not themselves but the lesson itself. So, they shouldn’t be egocentric and lost in themselves.
That they really know what they’re doing and teaching, which only happens if the teacher trains and practices daily. A diploma has no value if they don’t practice.
That they refrain from answering questions on topics they aren’t prepared for, ranging from pop psychology, medical advice, nutritional tips, to spiritual guidance (unless, of course, they are a psychologist, doctor, nutritionist, or “priest”).
Every teacher should be clear on these four points and every student should demand them.
m.m.