There are things I very badly want to tell you. No wait, I want to take you with me and show you instead, perhaps sliding into some kind of fantastic voyage vehicle, shrinking us down to microscopic dimensions and go within, go deep and far. And show you on some kind of cinema screen what it is that I see – my perception of the world and how I feel moment to moment. I want you to know for yourself because it’s quite possible that my words are so dreadfully inadequate or even that I’m using the wrong ones, and that I’ll never really be able to explain in a way that reflects what’s going on. At least, what I think is going on. Heh…
I have this theory, y’see, if we could all look into each other on a cellular level like that, perhaps we’d really get that there are no differences at all from one of us to the next.
Also, it’d be a handy shortcut for my current attempts to explain the unexplainable, to express transformations that remain entirely invisible to most. Because they’ve been rocking my world drastically and yet I’m bereft of explanations that make sense, even to me.
But here once again, I will try. So please forgive my lack of flow or any sketchiness, if you’d be so kind!
And now for a diversion. A confession if you will! Because I’m gonna have to keep writing til I can find a way to grasp what it is I really need to say. But also, I suspect the content of my confession has something to do with the above, too. Right!
So here’s the thing – I’m yet to start teaching yoga as the recently qualified 500 hour Hatha Yoga trained teacher that I am.
I’ve created roughly a bazillion excuses thus far. I felt shy, presumptuous, inexperienced, and unsure of myself. I had to save the money for my Yoga Teacher Association of Australia fees (which I conveniently kept forgetting to include in my budget – it’s not that much, it’s all about the planning). I didn’t think I was good enough. I’ve never been overly popular so who’d come to my classes? I’m not great at being the person in the center of the room (unless I’m performing in a costume). I haven’t perfected every asana and that’s not good enough. I want more experience of how other teachers teach before I try…
Yeah, I’ve got a lot of energy invested in not letting myself do what I want to be doing. Even though I know (somewhere in there) I’d actually probably be good at it, possibly maybe. Sure, I’d feel a bit nervous at first but then as I built on my confidence I know I’d find my flow and ahhhh… it’s not like I think I’d be “brilliant” from the get go – I know it takes time and experience to build up one’s teaching chops. But I’d do okay, I’d find my way of teaching with my current experience and skill.
And I think I’ve even let my experience of Mark Whitwell’s workshop and the Zen retreat bamboozle me, even as I gained so very much from what I learned with them both.
I know, of course, there is no other way but to do it. To get started, advertise and lead that first class. I know that, I do… and I’m about to send off my paperwork to get registered with the YTAA and get insurance coverage and all of that (yes, I finally put it in my budget!).
But it’s like I’ve deliberately held myself back, in case I actually succeed! Because what would happen then? I’ve watched The Blisschick go about doing exactly that with her Yoga Dance classes and I’ve read her posts and tweets about how exciting it is, and how much fun she’s having and I… sit on my ass and avoid planning!
Who will I be if I start teaching yoga? Even if it’s only one class a week to begin with? Yeah, that’s kinda what’s scaring me right now…
~Svasti
Hi, Svasti. My version of Fantastic Voyage is:
“Honey I Shrunk the Kids”
http://yogademystified.com/sidebars/honey-i-shrunk-the-kids/
I actually believe you’ll start teaching Yoga when it’s just right for you. No need to push it to hard.
But as a backup, if relaxing and taking the pressure off doesn’t work, you can always follow Nike’s advice:
JUST DO IT!
You’ll be great. Your love for Yoga alone will take you a long way, and your extensive training will cover the rest.
Bob Weisenberg
http://YogaDemystified.com
if it helps any, i’d be really excited to take a class with you! i dunno… sure maybe you’re not the most comfortable at the centre of things but there’s a gentleness about that that i think makes for the better teachers.
i guess the main thing is, as Bob said above, to do it when you feel it’s time. those connections, they’ll happen. they always do.
plus i just think it’s perfectly reasonable to be somewhat apprehensive about it. you don’t take it lightly. that’s a good thing. and at some stage you’ll step out of your head on that and the thoughtfulness and care that has gone into your preparations will show. that’s not such a bad thing.
Xx
Ahh…you know that I know your fear.
Here’s my new mantra: The fear and nervousness that I feel about teaching is simply my body telling me how important my passion is to me. That wall of nervousness and fear is my partner in all of this.
But my deal with that wall is that I will go through it anyway — again, because that’s how important this passion is.
Walk through it, Svasti. Just do it. This is a time for boldness.
I will NOT tell you that it will get easier, either. It remains difficult but that’s because it’s important.
I think when we become too comfortable, it’s a sign of complacency and a time for new challenges.
Also: it’s worth it in ways that you cannot even begin to imagine from this place of fear. I had no idea who I really was until I taught that first big class. And I am still in awe of her. 🙂
UNDERSTOOD!! 😀
Svasti … Thank you. You speak the ineffable … you empathize with words.
Beginnings are challenging, aren’t they …
I was just invited a few days ago to consider (through an intuitive divination by a friend) that I “have a book to write in the next six months.” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. I’ve had books to write for the last six YEARS … plus!!
I know that some of my (extreme!) reluctance to be “out there” beyond my home and immediate circle of beloveds is deeply related to a lifelong terror of being exposed, being seen … and then being done to. Once upon a time, I had a few brief forays into professional music. At the very first gig I played, a man sat in front of the stage, alone at a little table (this was in a pub), and STARED at me throughout the whole evening. Afterwards, he approached me … kept staring … came onto me in the creepiest way. Scared the bejeezus out of me!
Confession time: I’m terrified at the thought of public exposure — a public life … the lack of control over “who gets close” … I’m also dismayed and disgusted with celebrity obsessions and all the madness that comes with being a public figure.
I also salute the huge courage of anyone who goes “out there” and makes an impact, a difference. You go, girl! — your humanity and honesty will make you a superb teacher. You are also (as we all are) always, a student … xoxo
P.S. The intuitive reading also contained a possibility that I would travel to Australia “in the next three to five years.” That knocked my socks off — I have met online about five people — including you and Catatonic Kid — whom I’d love to meet face to face … all of you in Australia! 🙂
you will teach when the time is right for you to teach. nothing more, nothing less. my Africa retreat was 5 years in the making, then the time was right and it happened. when the time is right, you will know it. trust me.
I must say that my last trip to India really changed my own teaching and my own personal practice on a deep, energetic level, much more so being with a particular teacher. yeah, even Mark. but that would probably make him happy.
must have been my jump into the Ganges….;)
@Bob – Thanks Bob. I guess the thing is, you’re ready when you do it and you don’t do it til you’re ready. Which is almost a koan…
@CK – Awwrrr, thanks hun! You’re the sweetest. Too bad that real soon you’ll be too far away to take a class with me at all. Unless I come visit you and the Tobes 😀
@Christine (Blisschick) Reed – Thanks so much! Yes, you do know what I mean and how it is, for sure. I see that. I think I really like this: “That wall of nervousness and fear is my partner in all of this…”
Your comment here, BTW, inspired the little piece of poetry I wrote as my next post! 😉
@Jaliya – “Beginnings are challenging…” oh yes indeed! And maybe you’ve hit on it about the lack of control. Although the flip side is that giving up control is sometimes the key to things being better than we ever thought they could be. But the trick is to let go first, eh? Yes, we are always students. Especially as teachers…
And if you plan to visit CK, you’d better hurry up otherwise you’ll have to go to London to find her!
@Linda-Sama – Yeah I hear you Linda. As and when. My teaching (for now) will definitely be influenced by the teachers I know and love but then also by my own experiences, of course. I know it will also be an ever-unfolding journey, one that I will love. Just gotta find the moment to put my toe in the water and then dive right in!
Yes, Svasti–like a koan. And I think a koan works not so much because of the content but because it distracts us from the artificial limitations we put on ourselves so, ironically, we’re more likely to act.
Bob Weisenberg
http://YogaDemystified.com
yeah, we’re totally importing you hun! and mebbe we talk Jaliya into coming too 😀
Teaching is hard for me. I teach art, I’m good at art, I love art, and still I feel awkward doing it, don’t feel qualified and wonder why anyone would come to my classes! so I usually tell my students right off that I’m nervous. Some how starting the class with that frees me – they know, I don’t have to pretend to be in control, and I can let go and move on. I don’t know if that helps you at all, but I thought I’d share it!!
I wish I could hire you for private lessons to help create a personalized program for me. I haven’t had any formal yoga practice ever since my back surgeries and I miss it so much, but every time I try to start bak up I experience set backs physically, so I need someone like you!! Any plans to teach in NY?!
Svasti, I trust you will start teaching when the best situation, timing, and inner voice work together to help you move forward. You are a strong and talented woman – we need you out there sharing your heart with us all! love you, K
@Bob – It is said that a koan is meant to stun our monkey minds into non-thinking. Which is always a good thing!
@CK – Import me, yeah!! 😀
@Karin – I can imagine you’d be a wonderful teacher, just from the way you share your art on your blog. The nervousness thing must be like CK said, an artifact of caring a lot, perhaps? If I was in NY I’d love to come and work with you, for sure. And if I’m ever over that part of the world I’ll definitely come to visit. But I do hope you can find someone to help you with your yoga practice before then!! xx
Speaking of monkey minds, did you see this exchange on Yoga for Cynics recent Costa Rican monkey blog http://bit.ly/bubHkK :
***Linda-Sama wrote:
monkeys, huh? I decided if I ever open a yoga studio I’m calling it “Crazy Monkey Yoga Studio”….
after the rhesus monkey that walked into my room in India.
yeah, really. a big sucker.
want me to tell ya what went through my monkey mind? 😉
***To which I replied:
No, Linda. We want to know what you said to the Monkey.
I assume you asked it how it felt about being the symbol everyone’s inability to engage in sacred Yogic concentration and the reason they can’t reach samadhi.
On the other hand, you’ve got the very positive monkey images like the monkey-god Hanuman.
How does all this play out in the sensitive monkey psyche. I assumed you talked about all these things, didn’t you?
[As you can see, I’m still shamelessly looking for some laughs for what I thought was a very clever comment that no one responded to the first time. If no one likes it this time I’ll give up. But come on–that’s really funny!]
Bob Weisenberg
YogaDemystified.com
@Bob – Nope, didn’t see that exchange at all. But,hey, if you like your joke, that’s the main thing! 😉
It *is* interesting that while Hanuman is considered to be the ultimate devotee, the term “monkey mind” is so commonly used. Perhaps that’s actually quite telling, that once our wayward thoughts are under control, they are actually extremely dedicated to the path?
Yes, I guess I’ll just have to satisfy myself with the fact that it makes me laugh. I do like you’re interpretation, though!
Svasti–I (also) think you will begin teaching when you are ready to. I don’t think you are blocking opportunities–I think you are simply digesting all the changes you have undergone.
I really believe that if we remain open to new discoveries–they will reach out and find us.
Take care,
Melinda
@Melinda – Hey Melinda! That’s actually a very good way to look at it. Yes, I feel I am perhaps digesting opportunities! I just hope I’m remaining open to possibilities so I’m listening for the moment when it is time…