Hi,
A friend of mine forwarded the attached article to me recently – it outlines some things to consider with reference to being ‘trauma sensitive’ as yoga instructors. I found it to be a very interest and relevant article – and worth sharing.
http://lachristagreco.com/lachrista-greco-1/2013/1/10/a-lesson-on-trauma-sensitive-yoga
Thanks for posting Danya
That’s a very interesting topic and article for discussion. There are as many different ways to learn as there are students.
The bottom line, in my opinion is to to always try to get a good match. Apply the yoga to the individual rather than try to fit the individual into some yoga scheme or other. With huge classes, it is a case of trying to please most of the people most of the time, and there will be inevitably be some that get turned off, “triggered” or just not connect to the practice in a positive way. As a result most of the popular large classes are based on a popular formula that works for most people most of the time.
This is probably why for example, pranayama and stillness mediation is hardly taught in the west. It is challenging on many levels and people are not sure what to make of it because there isn’t a frame of reference. Asana has a frame of reference if you have done gym, sport or dance before in your life.
The traditional role of the “Guru” isn’t to take away power or to traumatize people as seems to be slightly implied. I think that is a false Guru. It is rather to be a guide and a guardian for a student. That’s a valuable role. A bit like being a parent, and sometimes as a parent, one has to be an enforcer of discipline or to dispense some bitter medicine. Because the child can’t see the bigger picture.
So here is a question. When is the time for bitter medicine in a student’s yoga training? I am just asking.
