Yoga Teacher Training Forum

You have brought up two excellent questions.

1. How do you know when to listen and when to push past?

A: Listen at all times, and never force your body or mind beyond safety guidelines. This is true for asana, meditation, pranayama, and subtle body work. If we think in terms of asana only, we should not push to the point where we cannot breathe, or where we experience pain within a joint.

2. Should we follow the flow of the universe or modify ourselves to fit it?

A: It depends upon your definition of universal flow and your perception of your relationship to the universe. I'm sure there will be many differences of opinion. However, Yoga practice should be modified for the practitioner. No two people are alike. Comparisons are often self-destructive and rarely lead to progress.

As Yoga teachers, we definitely must put our egos in the back seat. Teaching Yoga sessions, to a room full of people, is all about each student's needs, and has nothing to do with our personal aspirations, desires, goals, needs, or wants.

Hopefully you find this useful. If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

OM Shanti,

Paul