Ana B Ruiz
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Hi Anita,
Reading your essay helped me see that staying open, and the uncertainty that comes from it, it’s probably one of the biggest challenges that this new experience poses for me. On the one hand, I feel ready to give instruction, but on the other I can’t help feel some resistance. I think I now know partly why! As Susan said in our most recent class, preparation involves letting things unfold and responding on the spot, and this definitely can feel scary too.Hi Virginia,
My approach to charging or not for instruction is similar to yours. I think that being as flexible as possible is how I would like to approach my practice, and at the same time being respectful of myself and the time I dedicate to it. That, somehow, seems to be what I have to experiment with!Hi Vy,
I can relate to a lot of what you write in your essay – not feeling ready, the conflict of charging for spiritual practices. As a receiver of yoga instruction and spiritual teachings, I’m so grateful to be able to receive those experiences. I’m grateful that my teachers share what they know and make a living from it, so that they can continue doing it. I’m not trying to convince you or trying to change your way of thinking, just exposing “the other side of the coin”, at best! We live in a system that often times conflicts with the intention of benefiting everyone from spiritual practices, and I suppose everyone has to find their way of doing it. Thank you for sharing your feelings about this.Charging for a service I provide is something I’m not used to – I have an employer and receive a pre-determined salary – so deciding how much to charge for something I offer trips me up a little. Not because I think it’s wrong, but because I’m not used to being the person who charges equals (as opposed to an “employer”) for something. My ideal situation as a meditation teacher would be to have a flexible suite of offers: charge for instruction to those who are willing to pay for it, offer instruction in a sliding-scale fashion, and providing instruction for free. I think this would keep my practice diverse and aligned with my values.
Sandie,
I really enjoyed reading about your definition of teaching and the roles of a teacher. It seems to mirror, to some extent, the relationship between the paramitas (which we wrote about under a different topic); their expansiveness and narrowness. Holding, guiding, seeing, accountability, etc. As a student of this course, there is so much I can learn from your approach to being a teacher and relating to others as their roles change over the years.Hi Allison,
Creating space without having a teacher being too immersed (the way I read it, at least) it’s a good point. In our eagerness to help, we sometimes become the obstacle.Jo,
Reading your essay reminded me about all the gaps I have in my own family background, which seem to make it more challenging to arrive at “my lineage”. I suppose being able to “choose” a lineage can actually be trickier than just belonging to a predetermined one. It is also inspiring to hear your perspective about offering to your students what you learn from your lineage. In a way, you may become part of their own lineage too.I have such resistance to “committing” to a lineage that this question was one I could not answer when it was first posed to us. I don’t know why this is. I think I somehow feel like something about my identity is being pinned down, and makes me uncomfortable because I would rather keep it “fluid”. But as i write this I understand that lineage is not a fluid concept.
So I would start by offering that part of my lineage is those that feel like they have no lineage. I also deeply enjoy the outdoors, particularly climbing mountains and observing nature. Without a doubt, my lineage also includes naturalists and intrepid explorers. Writers, thinkers, activists, community volunteers form my lineage as well. Those are the people toward whom I gravitate and over the years feel like I have become myself too.
My spiritual lineage is composed mostly of Open Heart Project teachers, Susan foremost among them. But also Marisa Viola and Bridget Bailey. Shambhala introduced my to others, namely Gaylon Ferguson, my first meditation teacher whom I also consider part of my lineage.
Rosie, I like the way you put it – readiness is being willing, even though we may not feel ready. Sorry if I’m paraphrasing, this was my take away! Thank you for helping me see it that way:-)
Over the last few weeks my confidence and comfort offering instruction have increased. I think back of Susan’s words “how can you do it right, how can you do it wrong?”, just like the dharma, it feels expansive… I think I feel permission to just do it my way and not feel the constraints of a narrow definition. Not narrow, but still precise. How much freedom there is in that! I hope I’m making sense – but yes, I do feel ready and eager to offer instruction to others. And to hone my style, to change and evolve as I learn and practice over the years. I’m excited for the topics we’ll be covering the next two classes – bringing our practice outwards. I’m also looking forward to staying connected with this amazing cohort of aspiring instructors, in whatever capacity we bring these teachings to life.
Your description of this life changing retreat is beautiful. Watching the sunrise with your retreat-mates sounds really special. I attended a retreat at Drala and this brought me right back there. I also had the fortune of having Gaylon Ferguson as my first meditation teacher at the Boulder Shambhala Center in 2014 or so. It was wonderful experience!
Hi Ankur, thank you for pointing out that difference! You’re right, as teachers we can’t control the motivations of the students, and our responsibility is different from that of a “household host”.
Colin, so much love flows out of dad’s teachings and what you made of them, it’s really moving. Thank you for sharing this very special gift with us.
Cheryl, thank you for sharing such rich memories and experiences. I think your observation “My mom knew how to make things relatable” sums up what it is to be a great teacher. Thank you for sharing your this story with us.
Hi Elizabeth, I agree class size matters. That’s something I didn’t think about, but it makes a big difference. I tend to think more about the physical environment. And duration and movement are also key factors. I’d love to run workshops some day and I’d love to be one of those teachers that can make it an enjoyable experience to everyone, as much as possible. Thanks for sharing!