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FeedConfessions of a Yoga Whore
There is no ‘one-stop-shop’ in yoga. No one has it all. The best yoga teachers are humble.
Photo by chris hansen
I was introduced to the term “yoga whore” some time ago when I heard that a San Diego-based teacher had used it to describe yogis who had the audacity to venture out and take training from a variety of teachers. It’s my opinion that the teacher in question had an entirely selfish reason for trying to stigmatize the practice of working with multiple teachers. She simply didn’t want to share her students with anyone else. Besides the poor ethics involved in this case I have a problem with that teacher’s advice on a practical level. That’s because I honestly believe that it’s good for you to “play the field” as a yogi. And, of course, once you know what’s out there you can settle in with your favorites.
Many of you know that, in India, it’s traditional to receive yoga training exclusively from a particular guru. But bona fide gurus are very rare in the United States (see my blog entry: “I Am Not Your Guru-Part 2”). So the vast majority of us receive training from non-gurus schooled in the technical aspects of teaching yoga, i.e. yoga teachers. I’m here to tell you that, as a yoga practitioner, it would behoove you to move around and practice with a range of different teachers.
Why do I say this? Simply put: you’ll learn more from many than you will from one. Just about every teacher brings something unique to the table, something that only they have to offer. Each teacher’s offering is a product of their life experience and their training. It may or may not be something that resonates with you but you will never know if you don’t take a look. I go everywhere for yoga and try everything. And I don’t like all of it. Granted, I can be somewhat critical and particular about what I like but I’m a scout and studio consultant. So it’s my job to be critical. But, the point is, I will take something away from every experience even if it turns out to be an example of “what not to do." Those supposedly negative experiences are useful to you because they broaden your perspective and sharpen your judgment. How else are you going to know what’s good and what isn’t?
Should you decide to follow my suggestion to venture out and explore it’s virtually assured that your knowledge of yoga will grow. But you will also learn more about how yoga is taught because, as you tramp around, you will inevitably be exposed to an ever-widening range of teaching styles. Thus you will develop a critical eye with respect to what you are actually getting from a particular teacher and how you are getting it. This point is particularly important for those of you who have teaching aspirations. Why? Because a good teacher borrows from anyone who has anything worth borrowing. You’d be remiss not to.
At the root of this whole discussion is this: there is no “one-stop-shop” in yoga. No one has it all. If they think they have it all, they have it all wrong. Ego runs rampant in yoga. The best teachers are humble.
I’d love to stimulate some discussion on this topic. If you have a story to tell or some thoughts to share post them in the comments section below. While you’re out and about exploring yoga please feel free to drop into any one of my classes. My schedule can be found on my Web site at yogabon.com.
Namaste
Bonnie Saldivar Jones
www.yogabon.com
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Reader Comments:
Great article. I love the vibe of yoga people in San Diego. It's not as much about ego and about doing something that is good for you and feels good.
We have enough celebrity culture in this world, we don't need to worship our yoga teachers too, just go for a good time and learn a little somethin' from everyone.
I agree! Thank you Bonnie for this refreshing view. I hate it when yoga teachers seem to believe that they alone know what my yoga path should be. When teachers try to establish themselves as my own personal guru and expect me to jump through their hoops I just get annoyed. That scenario is more about feeding their ego than it is about helping me get what I'd like out of yoga.
Hi Bonnie - Wow! I had no idea some teachers had this attitude. When I would find a new studio ( or would be forced to - due to a move to a new city) I would go to almost every single teacher on the schedule if not once but twice. If I didn't like them I would make my self go a second time. Each day is different and when I react negatively to a teacher or a class, I honestly don't know if it was them or me who was having an off day! Better to go a second time. . . and be more sure! In the end I do tend to gravitate towards particular teachers, but I find that variety makes yoiu more available to what each teacher is offering. If you go always to the same person, the freshness is lost and you start to drift into mechanicality and anticipation of what is coming without being in the present moment. I used to inwardly groan when there would be a sub when I was expecting/looking forward to a class with a particular teacher, but now i see it as an opportunity ! To observe my self, my expectations, my capacity to be open to changing circumstances . . . so much of yoga has nothing to do with the asanas! thanks for your article. you are an inspiration as you bravely be nothing other than yourself!
Two things I've noticed about my practice came to mind as I read Bonnie's post.
First, our bodies and psychic states are processes, inherently dynamic and changing with time. This isn't so much in the sense of a slow improvement or degradation as one might initially think, but more of a cyclic back and fourth that mirrors other aspects of life. As it relates to yoga, I notice I constantly seek different things from my practice. I occasionally evolve into periods "stronger" or more rigorous practice and at other times cycle into softer states, and then back again. As a result, I've naturally identified a handful of different teachers and studios that speak to those different states and find how each compliment each other and contribute to my practice at different times. Even differences of personality and "vibe" of the studios play a role. The juxtaposition of teachers in this way seems both organic and extremely helpful to my overall practice in the gestalt sense of a thing being greater than the sum of its parts.
The second thing I thought of was how important it is to remain open to what we don't know. I recently had a scheduling conflict that prevented my attending one of my regular classes, so I scoured a few schedules and found something that worked although I wasn't sure what it would be like. It turned out to be a style for which I certainly was not the intended demographic with a teacher I had never taken before and I am certain I would not have attended if it was described to me in advance, yet I found it very beneficial in a way that I wasn't accustomed to from my regular classes. To me this is an example of how ego can trick us into thinking we always know what we need, which is part of the illusion of avidya. Since growth requires an element from outside the confines of our routine, drawing from multiple, and occasionally new, teachers and styles can be a good way to cultivate that.
Edward
What I appreciate and value about yoga are the choices. I have the freedom to practice yoga when I want, where I want, and from whom I want. That freedom is a privilege. Thank you for encouraging us to discover yoga and all is has to offer. ITE
Iknow I have my favorites...your one of them!!! I do feel some teachers have a real gift of being able to bring out the very best in you! I know that I have been more open to when a substitute shows up unexpectedly-knowing that this is who is right for me today!!! Everything happens for a reason! I think its about just being present with the moment!
Great article, Bonnie! One of the things that I love about yoga is the diversity of the teachers and their different perspectives. Sometimes I only want a physically intense workout while other times I am more interested in clearing my mind. Different teachers help me explore those different aspects of yoga and I am thankful for that. I feel to pick only one would be similar to eating at the same restaurant for the rest of your life. Delicious but potentially limiting.
In fact, I am currently planning my yoga schedule for next week with the full intent of whoring it up:)
And for the Yoga Whores who want to explore even wider, there is always the option of throwing a fitness class or personal trainer into the mix. See you tomorrow Bon!
Pete Kirchmer
Fitness Pimp
I have always wanted to be a whore...but now I can do it guilt free....E
This article was extremely well written I enjoyed it thoroughly. I passed it on to several of my friends who are enthusiasts and they thought it was awesome
Ken Powell
Bend Oregon