The western trend of yoga has diluted much of the conviction and actual hard work involved in the practice. Emphasis on attire, music, and trendy studios (I believe) has created a lack of truly understanding the essence and work that brings forth benefit from this philosophy and practice. About 2 months ago I was struggling with the need to conform to meet popular demand in order to continue teaching. I almost wavered, thinking that in order to teach yoga I had to change, to blend into what seemed ‘acceptable’ or popular.
I didn’t.
What helped me was a simple motto. “I want to be a good teacher, NOT, a popular one.”
It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.
Muhammed Ali
The result? My staying true to what I believe in, in my heart – and who I am as a teacher resulted in a revered Ashtanga based studio, to invite me to come teach there – not because I am popular, but because of my convictions and style of teaching.
The lesson? Once you find your niche and believe in it with your whole heart – stay true to it.
You may come across a moment in your life that you find yourself having to answer a question that might challenge your beliefs or begin to do something that just doesn’t feel right or align to your values. You feel it in your body….this IS awareness and intuition. Learn how to listen to it.
Don’t cave.
A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.
Mahatma Gandhi
Whether you are a teacher, entreprenuer, artist, or professional – stick to your beliefs and values once you define them. You will find that the people you draw towards you, whether they are clients or customers, will be easier to work with because they believe what you believe, and they become your stewards.
Art Of Practice 