Teacher as Student

There is a popular chant with which to begin a yoga class:

Saha navavatu
Saha naubhunaktu
Saha viryam karavavahai
Tejasvi navadhitamastu ma vidvisavahai
Om santisantisantih

Let us be protected
Let us enjoy the learning process together, without force or compulsion
Let us work together towards our goal, with energy and enthusiasm
Let there be clarity between us, never enmity or hate
Om peace peace peace

I love this chant because it reminds us yoga teachers that we can, and should, learn as much from our students as they do from us. This has been a huge learning week for me and I would like to thank a few people in particular:

The student who showed up for practice despite her unintentional self-sabotage. Its often hard to do what you know is good for you, when it makes you uncomfortable.

The student who reminded me of the power of yoga when she was moved to tears during class - brave woman for owning her emotions like that.

The student said that nobody is irreplaceable, except a parent or a child. This is good to remember as I leave my classes at Old Eds - soon I won't be missed at all!

And lastly, Pendra, for adding her own beautiful take on the kneeling sequence, and for giving me permission to share it here:

Through Prayer

I Seek Humility

And I Ask For Courage

For Forgiveness

Through Endurance

I Reach Celebration

And So Have Strength

For Acceptance

For This I Offer Gratitude