We gathered for Jam Session this past weekend.
http://www.lulubandhas.com/yoga/page/jam-sessions-volume-4-and-5
This is what I learned:
1. Point to the Texts
Eventually, as a yoga teacher you will start to get asked for advice.
While tempting to give it, I suggest starting to become more familiar with the texts.
If you can point to the Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, the Vedas or other such texts, you connect yourself and the student to the Tradition of Yoga have a chance to step out of the way of someone else’s path.
The texts have their limits, and even in the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says:
93. When water flows everywhere there is little role for the water in the well. In this same way, after realizing Divine there is little use for the knowledge of the Vedas. 2.46
Yet, they seem to have a way of being perfectly timed with our preparation. They are available only when we are ready. Have you noticed this? For many years I tried to read the Bhagavad Gita and was blocked until I had tilled my interior soil to be ripe for the seeds of wisdom.
Our advice is so often more about us then the person wanting it. Lately, as I am tempted to offer it, I offer back to myself first. Then I do my best to listen, reflect and if useful, point to the Tradition that holds us.
2. Teach Enthusiasm
I am not sure you can teach much else. Your enthusiasm for the practices will assist in lighting the fire within others. The internal spark lights the discipline.
3. Suffering is Sticky
When we hear others pain, ignorance, delusion, the temptation is to try to fix it. This creates a “bond” of suffering between you and the other. Practice allowing the room for their suffering and yours to be okay, and not a reason for connection.
4. Find the Safety Within
When we were kids playing tag, there was always a Safety Zone. Usually a tree or post or hydrant that we could touch and not be tagged for a few minutes. The texts use the analogy of a tortoise to point towards the cultivation of an interior shell in which we can rest. Spend time developing a sense of support, trust and ease. This becomes our home base. This is the space in which we can resist the temptations of the mind.
5. Hold On Tight to God
Since I am immersed in the Bhagavad Gita right now, I am calling to Krishna. Your version of God might be different. There is a line in the Lords Prayer, “Lead us not into temptation.” This speaks to the temptation of the mind. As I feel my thoughts wandering off center, I feel myself holding onto Krishna for protection, squeezing for my life.
6. Our Purpose is Connection
The root of Yoga is Yuj, meaning to Join. We are practicing Yoga when we come together.
7. Release the Results
You have no idea what has transpired between you and another. You don’t know the results of your time together. Continue to make the effort.
