An Open Letter of Inquiry (and disclosure) to all Yoga Folk,
I am a plain old Yoga teacher. Classes I offer are with usually less than 10 people. I don’t teach flow. I don’t tour. My initial Yoga was a meditative-based personal immersion practice for almost 10 years, before I ever stepped on a mat. I didn’t plan to be a teacher. The most important part of offering Yoga, for me, is how present I am with students. I rarely post myself in a Yoga selfie. Community, the connection created with students to each other/myself and a connection with other Yoga teachers is one of the deepest values I consistently hold.
Knowing all these things about myself as a Plain Old Yoga Teacher the evolution of the Rock Star Yoga Teacher has been fascinating for me to observe. I wonder, did they pursue rock star status, or was it something that just happened? What do they love about this life style? What challenges them? What do they value most about their work? How do they define success as a teacher of this tradition? Do they feel in control of the role model image that is collectively being created (see article below)?
If you are a well-known Yoga teacher and you happen to see this inquiry; I would love to talk with you. Can we have a conversation about these ponderings?
If you are a student of this ancient practice would you write us about what compels you to a particular teacher?
Thanks for reading and considering.
LauraLynn Jansen
theYoke, executive director & founder