Our Duty Is To Learn To Intervene Responsibly
Written by Hilary Brown
I am falling over.
I went to the Chiropractor yesterday and discovered I am leaning to my left.
Even with all the yoga, awareness, hopes and struggles, I am not going to survive my karma and dharma: I am getting older. My body is shrinking.
He cracked my neck, and it made a big sound. I asked him if he ever pulled someone’s head off doing that...he said no. It felt great. I am getting stiffer. I need yoga and swimming now more than ever. Without it I think I might never get out of the chair again.
I love that I can go to people who can help me see and feel myself again. Someone who can - with the touch of their hands - give me my body back. And in doing so - I feel my energy, possibilities, and commitment to living well again. I woke up and went swimming and ate a better breakfast than the day before. I feel like I am on track again.
The right touch is powerful.
The wrong touch is painful.
No touch can be so lonely.
As yoga teachers it is our duty to learn to intervene responsibly. Teaching the poses is not enough. People come to yoga class to learn how to move in a new way. How to undo old habits and patterns. You must take this seriously.
Do no harm. First rule. But that does not mean do nothing.
If you forgot, are rusty or never really learned how to touch & support peoples' bodies while you are teaching a yoga class: with respect, dignity, and clear intentions...then it's time you fill your gap and come back to school!
We have 2 modules this spring that can help:
Leah Klein’s: HANDS-ON ASSISTS & ADJUSTMENTS INTENSIVE
Hope to see you soon!
With love,
Hilary & our team