To the notion that practicing yoga is an unchristian behavior, I counter this, for now: we are taking this life, day by day. For many, this modern life, in these bodies, provides such distractions that it can be very difficult to see the most important thing, which is awareness of and love for one another. Yoga practice can help people get (or at least see) through the distractions. How is that unchristian?
Anyway. A coworker – one who does not attend my yoga classes – asked me today if I feel that I “teach” yoga. I told him that, at least in the context of the classes at my workplace, I am more of a guide for the physical practice; in effect, more of an instructor, similar to an instructor of a fitness class one may take at a health club.
In the grander sense, though, I do hope that I am more of a teacher, inasmuch as everyone and everything you encounter in life can teach you something, if you are open to it. The guru can be anywhere. I can show you how to do Warrior 2 pose in the most effective manner, for energy movement in your body. By guiding a class twice a week, I hope I’m also helping some people learn that that time they give themselves each week is more valuable than a few drops of sweat. Setting work aside for an hour is good for the body and mind. Taking several deep breaths can give you strength for the evening to come. Noticing that one hip is more open than the other can help you understand other imbalances in the world, and the ripple effect they can trigger.
Namaste. The light (teacher) in me honors the light (teacher) in everything.