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teachers' feelings

 
 

Bryan Alexander
Enthusiast

Nov 15, 2000, 2:23 AM

Post #1 of 3 (116 views)
teachers' feelings Can't Post
I want to begin teacher training soon. I have been a student for eight years, and I have a desire to go deeper with my practice and to serve others.

My question: What do you teachers out there find is the most difficult thing about teaching?


erin
Enthusiast

Nov 25, 2000, 10:43 PM

Post #2 of 3 (113 views)
Re: [Bryan Alexander] teachers' feelings [In reply to] Can't Post
This is a very good question. I began teaching very soon after discovering yoga. Probably too soon. I have just decided to stop teaching for at least a year so that I can rediscover my own practice. You are fortunate that you have been practicing so long. Lately I have realized that my own practice has almost always been about teaching and not enough about me. This to me seems very dishonest so that is why I have chosen to take a break. The hardest thing for me has been learning to set boundaries as far as how much I feel I want to help students. I have some students that have pretty substantial limitations and while I am enthusiastic for them I get frustrated when I feel they are not getting it and I think I try to help them or push too much. At the very least I find myself taking on the emotional burden of their physical suffering when what I really need to do is to stand back and let them find their own way. It is hard to explain. Teaching others will teach you so much about yourself. I feel the best way to teach is to strive to inspire your students to practice by being as honest and truthful with your own practice as you can be. I have come to feel that while your teaching comes from your own personal experiences and practice your practice should not come or center around your teaching goals. I wish you well in your endeavor. Hope this helps.


Bryan Alexander
Enthusiast

Nov 29, 2000, 11:44 PM

Post #3 of 3 (112 views)
Re: [erin] teachers' feelings [In reply to] Can't Post
Erin, thanks for your wonderful candor


 
 
 


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