That well know phrase... "Do as I say, not as I as I do" has become so well known that it is now expected by most.  Isn't it so much easier to give advice then take your own words of small wisdoms?  We move forward through our own experiences and either learn from them and move forward or ignore them and get stuck in the same place (or most unfavorably move backwards).  Each experience builds on the last and eventually become patterns or habits.  In Sanskrit and yogic philosophy this is referred to as vasanas (experiences) building onto vasanas and becoming samskaras (patterns).  Samskaras are not necessarily a bad thing.  There are many supportive patterns (learning to drive safely, reacting to an overflowing toilet, comforting a small child that has fallen down).  But there are also patterns that should be reflected upon and worked on to make change.  These can hold us down and cause us suffering.

As a teacher, I find myself leading group or private classes in which I hope that I offer a sense of serenity, calm, and inspiration.  It is always interesting to step in front of a group of people that look to you to hold space for them.  To offer a sanctuary for them to work on their samskaras.  Teachers are put into a position that we must step away from that common and incorrect phrase...

As we are all human, we all have suffering.  We feel, we have emotions, we have challenges and for most of us not in seclusion in a cave somewhere to find enlightenment, we have interactions with others in the world.  I have found the last couple of years (and more specifically, the last year) being ones of introspection, reflection and processing.  Getting out of my own way has been proving to be quite difficult.  Changing patterns even harder.  But what this tumultuous adventure has proven is that I wouldn't have it any other way.  I have been forced to look at my own dark corners and shine a little light in them.  This has been intense at times and fascinating most of the time.  Even in moments of blubbering tears, I couldn't help but mutter how cool it was to have that experience.  And it evolves.  I am now understanding of the importance of a personal practice.  And even more so, a teacher to give you that practice.  As we all now from past experiences, the hardest things to deal with and change are the things that we don't necessarily see so easily.  Thank you to my teacher.... thank you for holding space and inspiring me to be a better person.

What you want or what you need???

Whether you are a long time yogi or new to the practice, it is sometimes difficult to step past our ideas of what we want a yoga class to be. Our ideas are shaped in part by our previous experiences and inquires. Sometimes we rely on how something makes us feel. On those brief moments, we can sidestep all of that and just enjoy all that is presented to us. This is the journey of the yogi. What is more important; what we want or what we need?

Working in yoga studios for the past eight years, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to speak with many yogis. Whether they were coming out of a class with bliss in their eyes and a smile on their face or leaving half way through a class raging on about how horrible it was, it came down to a couple of important realizations. Of course, these are generalizations and everyone's experiences are different, unique to the person and the situation, and a result of many layers of previous experiences.

Many times we have an idea of what makes a good class or teacher and what doesn't. Is it really that important to have music in class? To end with a Savasana? Is it not a Vinyasa class if the student is not asked to do one Downward Facing Dog the entire class? Not really. Recently I had the opportunity to get feedback from a student that was unhappy with a class of a fellow teacher. He felt that the teacher was not prepared to teach this class as they did not put together a play list and didn't end the class with a Savasana. In the student's past experience, this was always a part of class. So in this particular instance he was taken to a new place, a class that challenged his preexisting ideas of what made a good class. In conversation, he was then exposed to a new idea that classes are designed according to many factors, such as, what time of day it was being taught at, who was in class, the level of those that were in class, and what focus is being decided upon. Many times, what we think we want is not what we need. Was the music a good distraction so he was not forced to be within himself? Maybe he could be whisked away and not have to focus on his breath or maybe music was a the perfect way to make time go by more quickly. Usually those things that we fight so strongly against, are exactly what we need to be doing.

As a teacher, it is a constant balance of whether we teach what students need or what they want. If we solely teach what they need, our class sizes begin to diminish. Who wants to go to a class that is always forcing us to face the uncomfortable? Or should we give in to the public desire to just feel good. I suppose it is somewhat dependent on the setting. I do feel strongly that as a yoga teacher, we have chosen to teach, to educate, to help our students progress on their journey. If I just wanted to instruct, I would be more prone to give a student the feel good fix they are looking for. But where on the journey is that leading... usually in a big circle. Uncomfortable as it may feel, be brave and venture out on the limb; that is where all the good fruit is. Face yourself and maybe you will find a new smile waiting there for you.

Be brave but also be intelligent on the journey. If you have a question, ask it. If you don't understand what you are being asked to do, venture an expedition of inquiry. As there are so many different styles, hundreds of training programs, and thousands of teachers; please don't walk blindly. Do your research. Find out where the teacher has studied, who their teacher is and what to expect from their classes. Even if a teacher does not have many years of teaching yoga under their belt, don't discredit their ability to teach. They may be just as qualified and knowledgeable as a long time veteran teacher. Quantity does not always equal quality. If you don't enjoy a class with a certain teacher, start a personal inquiry of what made you not enjoy the class. I would highly recommend attempting at least three times with the same teacher before continuing on your journey.

In the Western culture, home of the quick fix and impatience, we tend to view a yoga practice as an alternative to a trip to the gym... another workout. We are unsatisfied with a yoga practice that doesn't make us sweat or forces us to think. Is the necessary to work so hard? An asana practice, or a practice that involves moving our bodies into different shapes, is not meant to contort, manipulate or even work out our bodies. An asana practice is meant instead to prepare us for meditation, finding an opportunity to reflect, to be still, to find introspection. We are looking to achieve efficiency and intelligence of our physical body to also gain the same in our breath and mind. Less is more!

So coming back to the season change. Winter typically is a time that we are prone to less energy, focus, drive, more suseptable to despression, frustration and stress, can we expect to practice the same way as we did in the summer? Not really. Finding the Yin side of your practice, or as to say the calm, peaceful, relaxed, slow, or dark side our your practice, can have as much of a profound impact in your state.  As with a change of practice for the seasons we must also take into consideration the time of day.  Would a teacher be wise to ask you to get out of bed, go to the yoga studio and and then lay in a 15 minute savasana before you go to work?  Personally, I would need another couple cups of coffee before being able to fully function for work.  Or in an evening practice that is so strong with firey standing balances or arm balances?  Unless you work at night, it would probably not be advisable.  We must alter our practice according to the time of day, part of the month, and season of the year.

All of these factors can be overwhelming to think about.  That is one reason to seek out a teacher.  One that will guide you safely and intelligently through the many changes and facets of lives.  Teachers have chosen to study the why and how to be able to alleviate the confusion.  But as a student, please make sure you ask why if you don't understand something.

In the Krishnamacharya lineage it is said that a teacher should "give 90% of what a student wants and 10% of what they need".  Not a bad percentage for trying something new.