yoga trainingBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Each Yoga teacher is different, but from the core of these differences, is the style from which we are rooted. The foundational Yoga teacher training, of each style, is the core of our Yogic knowledge. It is important to have a firm foundation within our pool of knowledge.   At the same time, this is why it is difficult to absorb innovative thoughts, philosophies, and approaches to the same problem.

When working with a student who has an ailment, your style may have all the answers, or it may not. When you find that your foundational training does not contain all the answers, do you feel challenged? Of course you do, and so did every Yoga teacher who walked the earth before you.

However, we live at a time of instant communication. As a result of the Internet, knowledge can be sent to any part of the world in an instant. At this time, the only problem with finding answers may be that we feel strange about asking for help. This may stem from our pride or previous training.

When considering pride, and ego, the reality of needing help will push us to make a decision. Do we stay where we are, or move forward and help our students? One other problem is cloning, which can take place within the foundational Yoga teacher certification course.

Perhaps, the trainer has led you to believe all the answers are contained within one form of Yoga. This creates a form of tunnel vision because Yogic knowledge evolves and expands daily. Granted, we should take pride in our roots, but all of the answers will not be found in a single book, style, or room.

Continuing education is the key to expanding on a firm foundation. With mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health in mind, there are so many directions to go in, that most Yoga teachers develop some specialist knowledge. There is nothing wrong with referring a student to a Yoga teacher specialist.

It will be in a student’s best interest to visit a medical doctor, Ayurvedic doctor, or counselor – when the situation arises. In the interest of each Yoga student, there are many times when cooperation with other styles, and fields, is better than isolation.

Always remember that the ego is a hindrance. Although it may not be classified as one of the five classical hindrances, the ego is an obstruction to progress, in its purest form. For a Yoga teacher to evolve into an innovator, he or she must purge the ego, and reality will expose itself.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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