Behavior toward neighboring Yoga schools, Yoga teachers, and
their students, should be cordial. Like the old saying goes, "If
you do not have anything good to say, do not say anything at
all." When we speak of other Yoga teachers, or former Yoga
teachers, in a hostile manner, what do we teach our students?
Unfortunately, Yoga teachers are human and behavior is not
always optimum. Show respect toward neighboring ashrams by
letting the director, master teacher, or guru, know about your
events - in the form of a letter or invitation. Do not post your
events on their doors, on their cars, and on telephone poles
nearby their ashram.
Do not encourage your Yoga students to tear down advertisements
of other local ashrams in the markets and local coffee shops.
Harmonious coexistence with local Yoga studios and ashrams is
healthy. When Yoga students are encouraged to become sectarian,
or elitist, they are being strayed away from the true meaning of
Yoga. Always remember Yoga means "unity."
Avoid moving your Yoga studio next door, above, below, or across
the street from another Yoga teacher. The world is a very big
place. There is no need for us to behave like rivaling
businesses. If that were acceptable, Yoga would be just a
business, and our true mission is to help others.
Try to maintain good relations with former Yoga teachers and
their students. Sometimes, there are complications in the
student / teacher relationship, but try to be as friendly as
possible.
Relationships with your Yoga students should be balanced and
kept intact. Yoga teachers should avoid using their position for
leverage or special favors. If you are having feelings beyond
the usual Yoga teacher / Yoga student relationship, you should
seek qualified advice, do some "soul searching," or withdraw
yourself from the situation.
The Yoga studio is not a romantic playground, or part of a
dating service, for Yoga teachers. As a Yoga teacher, your
relationship is founded upon the trust of your students. You
also want to avoid "fueling" any distractions from Yoga practice.
Lastly, you want to encourage your more advanced Yoga students
to become independent creators of their own practice. It is nice
to be needed, but your Yoga students will grow if they are
allowed to be innovators. You can always show them the safest
methods to keep them on the right track, but you do not want
your advanced Yoga students to feel dependent on your existence.
To draw a small comparison: A pair of adult eagles takes
wonderful care of their chick, but someday, that chick will grow
to be as large as its parents. The solution is to encourage
their offspring to fly and become independent. You know, you
will not be around forever, so encourage your Yoga students to
keep the practice evolving.
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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