I’ve always strived when surrounded by some of the best. Learning by example, enthusiasm, failed experiments and cautionary tales has been some of the best ways I’ve gleaned insight into other people’s lives, and therefore helped provide flavor and color to my own life experience.

These days, while I still follow distant teachers, some of whom I know and many of those whom I don’t, I have been in immense gratitude to be surrounded by teachers in the world of yoga. From mudras, mantras, asana breakdowns, and yogic philosophy, it’s been such a gratifying experience to 1) see how complementary and interwoven yogic philosophy, other spiritual teachings I’ve studied, and even science based NLP work all actually are! and 2) to be surrounded by like minded people who are in a space of “student always” and in support of one other’s journey.

So this leads me to ask another round of Powerful Questions:

• Who are some of your current teachers?
• In what ways do these teachers stimulate and motivate you?
  • Physically
  • Emotionally
  • Spiritually
• What teaching styles do they all have in common? Do you recognize a pattern that best works for you?
• If you currently don’t have a specific teacher or teaching of study, what is one small step you can take to find one?
• What types of classes or workshops are coming to your city in the next 3-6 months?
• What other ways can you learn aside from student/teacher relationship?
  • Oftentimes we can learn a lot about ourselves as well as strengthen our own learned teachings by volunteering, coaching, or stepping into the teacher role itself (but that is for another post!)
• What other resources can act as growth for you? Whether it’s seeking out community, a coach, or accountability program with your close friends?

Clearly there is a lot to digest here but the point of this exercise is to get you reflecting on what it means to be surrounded by thoughtful teachers who care for your own best interest, as well as think outside the box when it comes to growth and expansion.

After all, we can’t always do it on our own and hearing someone else’s perspective, unique insights, and experiences can be the one thing that produces a light bulb moment for you. Whether it’s the tone, the wording, the way in which the story was told… these are all ways in which another layer of your own understanding of life can unfold and provide a richer context for your to immerse yourself in.

If you live in the Seattle area and are curious about who my yoga teacher is you can visit Greta Hill at Bala Yoga. I highly recommend taking one of her classes. Her warmth, grace, and humble attitude is what drew me into her teaching style. In addition, her very own teacher Sianna Sherman, will be spending a weekend with us (and it’s open to the public! 12/16/17 – 12/17/17).

Here’s to the never ending journey of growth and expansion, and finding teachers that uplift and support you on your journey.

In wellness,

Susan

Photo by Matthew Kane on Unsplash