I had my first confrontation with a yoga teacher that left a slight sour taste in my mouth. I have read of other people’s experiences with this; indeed, we are not all the stereotype of “peace-love-dove” as Linda likes to put it! We can have some strong opinions. I’m not usually one to rant on my blog about an actual person, scared as I am that they should come across it, and without naming names, will still know that they are the subject matter. I still respect this teacher, he/she is a classical yogi who has tremendous experience and knowledge, but he/she is just not a match for me, I’m afraid.
I wouldn’t go so far as to accuse him/her of thinking their form of yoga is the only correct and true form of yoga, but that is the impression I got when I inquired about a 200-hour teacher training program. Instead of guiding me with necessary steps for serious study and the realities of what makes a good teacher, I got a rant about Americanized yoga, commercialism, hot yoga, and soulless yoga aerobics (Vinyasa?--Which, if not Kripalu, is what I’m interested in). Frankly, I love “yoga aerobics.” I sit on my ass all day so it works for me. I’m guessing that’s one reason why it’s so popular, because so many of us sit all day. Plus, I have a tendency towards lethargy, so it keeps me energized throughout the day. I suppose it’s a matter of opinion what’s soulless or not—it’s certainly never been soulless for me, even if the teacher never uses spiritual language. Unfortunately there isn’t a Vinyasa teacher in my area, otherwise I’d go there.
Yes, the 200-hours seems to have allowed many to strive only towards a minimum of training, but it’s a first step. I would certainly not end there, I have too much respect for the tradition, even if I’m personally more comfortable with the horror that is Westernized yoga—but hey, that’s the culture I was born and raised in—it may not be perfect, and I definitely have my issues with overconsumption and commercialism of our culture, but no culture is perfect—there are people who corrupt ancient teachings everywhere. No matter how pure one’s yoga intentions may be, the fact is, you’re still benefiting from its current popularity as it brings in new students who help pay the bills. And as anyone who regularly reads my blog knows, the commericalism, Westernization of yoga is something I struggle with.
I had to rant as my bubble was busted. At least the second reply offered some useful advice (albeit not without a couple more digs) with suggestions to find a teacher in the style I like (advice I’m taking which means I’m not going back to him/her), to study for a few years, and take advantage of retreats and workshops in that tradition. Advice well-heeded, and I happen to agree. (But I’m still a little uncomfortable to show up for my last class!)
(Text Copyright: Graceful Yoga and Simplicity, 2009)
DIY Sugar Scrub; Sans Chemicals!
59 minutes ago
.jpg)
Posts
19 comments:
good, I'm glad you blogged about this- I was curious after your comment on my post.
BLAH I say- that is super negative. I always find it funny, people who idolize 'eastern' yoga... personally I have difficulty reading the traditional texts of the Bhagavad Gita- I don't see an equal yoga for me in THAT authentic form.
I agree with you- assuming one culture is superior than another (especially while living in our nice, mostly equal Western world) is quite the form of delusion. Eastern Yogis are humans... like ourselves. The majority having character flaws (similar or different). Not better or worse, just different.
Thank you Grace :)
ps- I like Vinyasa too! Slower forms of yoga (such as Yin, or Hatha) tend to increase my anxiety... not so healthy- that!
ranting is good....I've done my share, tee-hee....and why not write about it?
"I’m guessing that’s one reason why it’s so popular, because so many of us sit all day"
yes, that's exactly why. Beryl Bender Birch's "power yoga" is a direct tweeking (some might say rip-off) of traditional astanga. and traditional astanga was done by young Indian boys who had the bodies for it. most westerners don't, hence the tweeking of it.
the only "right" yoga is your yoga. do YOUR yoga. I do "my" yoga that works for me...and that's a combo of yin and vinyasa krama and viniyoga (not necessarily in that order.)
Eco-yogini: i know what you mean about delusion. I've met a number of people who decry our current society, romanticizing the past (either the 50's or anytime pre-industralization). Yes, current society has many, many flaws, but this is also one of the best times to be alive--especially if you're a woman!
Linda: BTW, thank you for your offer on my previous post to answer any questions i may have.
I am not familiar with Bender's approach--I've heard of her, but have no idea what it looks like. I agree, the only "right" yoga is the one that works for you.
Personally, I have found that all yoga styles can be soulful and all yoga styles can be soul-less...it has so very much to do with the energy of the instructor. I teach a power yoga class which includes a lot of vinyasa, and I have been told by multiple people that they appreciate my class because it's very physically challenging, but it also has soul...in my opinion, without soul, yoga isn't yoga, but I definitely don't think this has anything to do with the style!
Namaste'
Great post! Argh, I get so frustrated with "yoga superiority," people who claim that their tradition or style is more pure/authentic/spiritual than all the others. And I also get so frustrated with teachers who claim that only a gentle passive yoga can be true yoga. We all have different bodies, and different physical/emotional/spiritual needs.
And thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. Lovely to connect!
Sometimes a rant is definitely necessary. I love the honesty in your blog and sometimes getting a sour apple out of our system is the most genuine thing to do! I also agree that yogic snobbery is an unnecessary and very "un-yogic" attitude. "Yoga is for everyone" is the phrase a friend and yoga therapist always says to me. In that same train of thought I think that all yoga has a place & each style has a personality of it's own. Sometimes I feel a need for something restorative but often I just want to power it out and it is so spiritually and emotionally cleansing for me!
You have inspired me to write a post on the topic of yoga for different moods and different people...maybe that will be tomorrow's musing. I am still a bit of a fledgling blogger at my new page http://myembodiment.wordpress.com. Feel free to stop by if you want!
Thanks for being honest about your frustrations!
Yoga diva: I agree. That's why I was bothered by the soul-less comment, because how can you judge that when it is so personal to the individual student and not necessarily based on the style?
Rosanne: Not to mention that we all have different needs at different times!
Teresa: I look forward to your post. I'll check out your blog next!
I'm always so frustrated by yoga teachers and practitioners who have a "my way or the highway" approach. Obviously, they practice or teach a certain type of yoga because they've felt drawn to it, and it has had a positive impact on their life. Is it so hard to imagine that other people might find some meaning in something different? I think the best teachers are those who can go into any class and still learn something.
p.s. I found my way here from Eco Yogini's blog and I really enjoy the stuff you've written!
I love the title of this post "Sour Yoga Apples." I always say, "if it feels good, do it!" Nobody but you knows what's best for your body, mind or spirit...you have to come to that on your own and not let other people impose their opinions on you.
Oh, and thanks for your comment on my Wishcasting" post...I had a box of kleenex close by. Love you oxox
left you something to sweeten up your apples....;)
http://cluttertoshine.blogspot.com/2009/08/some-blog-love.html
I shall blow a Zen-raspberry in the general direction of all the Yoga Joy-killers out there...
Great post and I know what you mean I have been in the same situation thanks for sharing.
It's so funny how connected we all are..I have mentioned how important the teacher is in about 3 posts in the last couple of months. No matter how much training someone has, they still need a good "Mat-side" manner to resonate with students.
I like the term Sour Yoga Apples, my friends and I have been trying to find a good term for yoga snob. The closest we've come is Snogas:)
Amazing how we come to this wonderful and peaceful practice for one thing and some get knocked so far off the path...
The sutras say to deal with a difficult person with disreguard... good advice!
So I wrote my blog post today related to this area of yoga variety of life. I referenced your post! Feel free to take a glance and lemme know what you think :)!
"I got a rant about Americanized yoga..."
if I could play devil's advocate...
I wonder if the people who speak out against others who rail against "Americanized yoga" are also "yoga snobs" themselves. I have written more than a few posts about the differences I feel are apparent in American yoga classes and the yoga I was taught at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in India where I study. One only needs to go to my posts written in 2006 or so when I first wrote about my "a ha" moments of yoga experience in India.
Linda: feel free to be the devil's advocate! We're probably all a bit of a snob in some ways--I know i can be, lol. I'm not normally the ranting type of person, I can usually see both sides of the agrument. I definitly learned a lot from this teacher and have the highest respect. I recently took a workshop with a yoga teacher from India, and it was different in some ways. I might go on a retreat with this person next summer when he comes back. I'm not sure why it is, but as soon as it's a teacher from India, people start freaking out and questioning whether they're genuine or not, as if they're likely to be some kind of cult leader out to duped as all--but that's a different subject.
I think this is why I like Kripalu at this point--it has indian roots, but still has a lot fo freedom within it. So we'll see.
I'll have to check out your 2006 posts.
I enjoyed this post and the comments to follow. Everyone has to find his/her way and his/her right match for a yoga teacher. I personally do not practice vinyasa, but a slower hatha approach. I appreciate vinyasa/power/etc. approach to yoga and glad that it works for people. I am drawn to a different practice and that is what what I need. I know I am not the right teacher for some, and that is fine too.
Peace and love is good, but sometimes you have to summon your Kali spirit. We can always maintain respect and disagree.
"it's a teacher from India, people start freaking out and questioning whether they're genuine or not, as if they're likely to be some kind of cult leader..."
hmmm....I find that very interesting. and of course there ARE teachers from India who have been discredited over the years, but for someone to assume that ALL are not "genuine", to me, that is nothing but avidya.
I really try to discourage peoples' opinions that just because I study in India that must automatically make me a "better" teacher. frankly, that attitude makes me uncomfortable, but I get that a lot. I merely teach what I know, I do not change from my public voice to my yoga voice. what ya see is what ya get, baby, and if what I do doesn't resonate with you, oh well. I got over that a LONG time ago!
"sometimes you have to summon your Kali spirit"
who me? never! ;)
Linda: opps I wasn't clear about what I meant. It is not from other yoga people that I get that, but from non-yoga, skeptical people. I guess when it's just going to a yoga studio with a cute, young teacher it's easier to classify as just exercise, but when it's a dude from India, then the spiritual aspect is harder to ignore? i don't know what it is. Maybe it's just the hubby being a pain in the ass:)
gotcha!
Post a Comment