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Yoga and the Gift of Communication

By Paul Jerard

Yoga teachers are some of the best “story tellers” of our time. Telling stories, and capturing the imagination of a crowd, is an art. In ancient times, this was the way news traveled from village to village. Cultures differ, but stories, prayers, and songs, were a big part of ancient communication.

We live at a time, when Internet communication is instant, but social skills are hampered by technological advancement. It is unfortunate that with all the tools at hand, for brilliance, some of our children, and young adults, are growing up socially handicapped. The gift of communication has been taken for granted - but why?

There is an old saying, “The best things in life are free.” This saying was also the title of a movie, and later, a song. Does the world listen? Absolutely, not! Let’s look at a short list of free things the world takes for granted.

A smile, a laugh, good health, loved ones, real friendship, intelligence, innovation, the ability to communicate with each other; all of these comprise a brief list of things, which are taken for granted, and cost us no money. Yet, we value machines, which break down.

Now, let’s look closely at communication in modern Yoga. Whether you are a student, or you teach Yoga classes, communication is important. In some of the physically active forms of Yoga, a Hatha, Kundalini, or Ashtanga Yoga student, should be able to let a teacher know when physical limits have been reached.

No matter how much knowledge a Yoga teacher has - he or she cannot feel what is going on in a student’s body. Students should not feel guilty, or remorseful, for limited range of motion or having an “off day.”

In addition to this, students should never be harassed, due to their limitations, by a Yoga teacher. This is a clear signal to find a competent and compassionate Yoga teacher. Never stay in an abusive relationship. Life is too short to waste and to be taken for granted. Students should be able to ask Yoga-related questions during a Yoga class. Without communication, Yoga classes become militaristic exercise classes. This is fine, if military exercise is what you want; but why not take part in a martial arts class instead?

Martial arts have a wonderful physical and mental health value, but the militaristic view point is not hidden. Why would a Yoga student seek to study Yoga from “a wolf in sheep’s clothing?”

When a Yoga teacher becomes a strict disciplinarian, the ultimate goal of Yoga is lost.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. \ He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995.

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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 1:42 PM