I’m always “getting into something”, always exploring a new topic, discipline or art. Currently, I’m teaching myself how to make kombucha and I’m learning about tea (camellia sinensis). I’m also reading on and practising on reiki in different ways. I’m often revisiting dance and my relationship to it. This month, I’ve committed to pursue yoga teacher training this upcoming winter.
In choosing hatha yoga teacher training (HYTT), I’ve decided that my journey as a student was as important as ‘learning to teach’. I’m in fact reiterating that I am but a dedicated student of yoga, and perhaps, I’ll share this love with others.
If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it. If you want to master something, teach it.– Yogi Bhajan
The wisdom in this, is that it keeps you sharp; to teach is in large part what keeps you learning, and as long as you’re curious, you’re full of vitality.
You never “arrive” as a teacher. That is not to say you aren’t “competent” or that you should wait until you reach an illusory comfort level before you teach something. But if you think you have “arrived”, you’ve probably missed the point altogether.
A teacher is also a student. We are here to learn! Teachers ARE students of their craft or discipline, but they can also learn FROM their students.
In certain phases or areas in our lives, we are categorized as students, and in others, as teachers. Although this distinction may appear clear, it is only one of mindset.
Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
― Bruce Lee
The important thing to remember is that you’re meant to always be learning, no matter the title or your formal role. You may share knowledge and experience with others, and do so happily and confidently, as we all have great wisdom inside us. But remember to keep that thirst, that curiosity and to empty your cup of tea, once in a while, so you may fill it anew.
