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OPEN MIND OPEN BODY Teaching Reflections |
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The Four Qualities of a Yoga Teacher I recently attended a 3-day yoga therapy workshop with Kausthub Desikachar, grandson of the great yoga teacher Krishnamacharya. Early in the course, he described the four necessary qualities of a yoga teacher. I found this list simple but compelling, and I share it with you. (The description of each quality is my own interpretation and memory of the discussion, not Kausthub Desikachar's direct teaching.) 1) Knowledge. A yoga teacher needs a deep enough understanding of the yogic path, and yoga's tools, to help individual students develop a personal practice. There is a certain amount of expertise needed, although much of this knowledge is acquired by working with individuals under the guidance of a mentor.
2) Communication. A yoga teacher consciously chooses what to say to a student, and how to express it. There is a certain quality of reflection: What is the student ready to hear and learn? What is the most helpful way to say it?
3) Self-control. A yoga teacher does not abuse his or her relationships with students, and does not get caught up in power, admiration, or manipulation. Self-control also allows a teacher to witness a student's suffering without falling to pieces - a kind of strength in compassion.
4) A Teacher. A yoga teacher needs a relationship with his or her own teacher. There must be some link to a mentor or to continuing study and practice, ideally with a teacher who can provide feedback and guidance on your own teaching.
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