David Minarro
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Regarding my gifts as a teacher, and how this course has made me improve as one, I consider myself a person with a genuine desire to provide a benefit and service to others. It is something that fills me with vitality and energy, and the feeling of work well done, or at least completed with great effort, really gives me great realization and satisfaction. I also know that I need to do this work from the heart to feel it as something real and valuable, and I take delight in pointing out the good things I see in others. This course has helped me to acknowledge this aspect in me, to pay even more attention to it, and to remember that not everything depends on how well you prepare your work, but that attention to the group and making people feel recognized and welcome is essential. From things as simple as making sure your students have a place to hang their jacket or that their position or seat is comfortable, to making them feel that you really see them, in their idiosyncrasy, pecularities and progress. Also, during 1:1 instructions, receiving reactions like “I’m proud of you” or “I really appreciate your work” have reminded me how incredibly good it feels to hear them as a student, and have made me a better teacher by using them more and more after this training.
Regarding my challenges as a teacher, sometimes I think that I have drawn from many different sources (pedagogy, languages, gestal therapy, yoga, drawing, meditation, etc.) precisely because I am a very curious person with many interests, but at the same time I feel that it has prevented me from delving into some of them with more depth. Many too many plates on the table? However, I like the mandala of tools that my path has given me, and although they come from very differentes branches, I think I connect with them from a very personal place, so I am learning to embrace my apparent dispersion.
On the other hand, I admire those people who work in front of others, and who seem to be able to maintain a point of calm, humor and equanimity no matter what. I do not consider myself that way, and sometimes, when I am in a situation of stress, worryness, annoyance or sadness, it is something that comes to the surface or that others can read in me, especially with my colleagues, and I would like to be able not to be so transparent, at least to put that asside when I have to.
Another obstacle is that I tend to overprepare and plan too many activities for a class. But meditation, and this course specially, have taught me the importance of leaving space for students to express themselves so that progress is truly transformative and to value well-established simplicity over a rush of content unrelated to the reality of the group. And also, to be more comfortable holding (an accompanied) silence, and the intimacy and presence that resides in it.Finally, I have to say again that this training has been a truly special journey, and I greatly value all of you who have been part of it. You are truly an example that has inspired me a lot, of enormously kind, valuable and brave people. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I bow humbly to you all.
Ann. I have found it very admirable and at the same time difficult to achieve, to remain open to the teaching of a teacher even if you are not particularly connecting with that person. Normally when a teacher or speaker gives me feelings such as boredom or lack of credibility, I tend to close down or mentally digress. The attitude that you mention for me is more patient and humble, and I think it is also applicable to the relationship with our students. Knowing that everybody has something to offer and enrich us with. Thank you for that!. The fact that you especially like working with beginners, I also think is an example of the generous, open and receptive attention that is perceived in your response. Regarding the course, I agree with you about the joy it has been to take part, listen or simply be an active witness at times of the Q&A section, and how this has been as important as the curriculum itself.
Thank you for having been part of this path.“I believe that we are all connected in profound ways”- What a beautiful view through which to focus your work as a teacher. Together with the ability to recognize errors and know how to find hints of that ordinary magic, it seems to me to be a very desirable pack for any student who is accompanied through your dedication. I can see myself reflected in the impulse to try to please everyone and lose authenticity along the way, I wish us luck in the process of transforming ourselves in that sense. Feeling identified with someone and expressing it seems to be a good step forward.Thanks Anne for being part if this journey!
Thanks again, Helene, your words meant a lot to me. “I’ve often felt that my intention for a more real connection was challenged when met with what I perceived as discontinuous listening or fear of openness in the other” I really connected with that, and I hope the inner work we do on ourselves can help us build down those walls and inspire those who are close to us to do the same too. Knowing others have felt the same way also makes me feel much less alone. So happy to have met you in this journey!
“The importance of being totally present to others while remaining alone with your own experience”. That sensation reminded me of when I head to my hometown to spend time with my family. The emotional, attention or conversational style that my mother and I have, for example, is very different, and even opposite, one could say at times. However, over time I have been able to move closer to compassion and acceptance of my closest family members, (as they must have done with me I guess), and of those parts of their character that clash most with mine. However, or as a result, what remains or what arises then is that feeling of being totally present and alone at the same time. Fully present because I really pay attention to what is being talked about, to the energy I perceive, to contribute to an environment of harmony, care and well-being, to appreciate the place where I am and to ensure that my visit leaves an enriching and loving taste in that home, which can be regarding, challenging, delightful and frustating at times, independently and simultaneously. But it is really worthy to always stick to that intention. On the other hand, I also feel alone, because perhaps with them I cannot express myself the way I do with my close friends, for example, or our conversations about real feelings or thoughts about our experiences do not come out in the same way, or are not so meaningful in family gatherings and festivities. And that can feel isolating. That’s why I sometimes feel like I’m “intervening” in those family situations , instead of just being or letting myself be. In the environment described in the article it is necessary, but in a family environment it should not feel that way. I hope to learn to overcome distance or to have more courage to build more authentic and intimate relationships with those who are closest, in blood at least. Putting the energy and acknowledging the positive transformations that have already happened I know is the first step and I am very glad to take it.
Rachel, I find the way you handled the situation with both clients admirable, and a great example of flawless professionalism. Sometimes I have also felt that being able to give an urgent situation the time and space to act on it from a calmer nervous system, greatly benefits the way we intervene in it, which also reminds me a lot of the first two karmas, pacify and enrich. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Ann, I loved your description of you envision and frame your yoga classes. How do you first embark on feeling the flow of your postures in yourself and in your body, to be able to pay such rich attention to your students and everything that surrounds their practice after. How lucky your students are, and how lucky your daughter is to have a mom to cry with together!
Hi Jana, thank your for having my back in that situation hehe. And I totally agree that driving manifests a lot of situations to really put the dharma into practice, starting with us!
Hi Ginny, I really appreciate your words. I really like the way you put it: ” I’m not always sure I do the right thing, but in the situation it felt like taking a higher road than succumbing to idiot compassion”. Thank you for sharing your experience at work, I see it very reflected in what I said.
Thank you Betsy! Yes to discovery, strength and love on our journey! I send those wishes whole-heartedly back to you.
” (…)perhaps we can hold them (expectations) more loosely and make more room for curiosity” Love how you put it! I´m practicing too right beside you. Thank you Kate!
” It is both beautiful and sad at the same time”. Couldn´t agree more about this. Thank you, Allison!
“It seems to put one right in the space of being with rather than coming from the thinking brain” I couldn´t agree more with it, and also didn´t realize until I read it from you. Thank you!