My Yoga Teacher Trainer S. spent a bit of time this weekend trying to convince our group of aspiring yoga teachers that ego is not a bad thing. It simply is a part of who we are and something to be aware of.
At one point, he told this story.
S. was in India training in a crowded shala with a well-known teacher. Because he had done so well in his Ashtanga series to that point, the teacher wrongly assessed that S would have no trouble dropping back into Urdhva-Dhanurasana (backbend). S worried that he couldn't do it, but the teacher was insistent.
So S thought, What the heck? What's the worst that can happen?
He folded his arms across his chest and dropped back. The slight 78 year old teacher quickly realized his mistake and also that he could not catch S. So he stepped back and let S crash to the concrete floor.
S lay there wincing. The teacher bent over to make sure he was still conscious. Then he used one of his few English phrases.
"Bad man!" the teacher declared, pointing his finger in S's face. "Bad man!"
S could only laugh. Ego doesn't always have to be offended by life.
4 comments:
You're so sweet -- thanks for the positive comment and the happy vibes. :o) Made my day.
Your "future with a small herd of sheep and goats, a few trees, and days of spinning, knitting, and writing" sounds dreeeeeeeamy. I think I'll join there. *sigh*
Okay!!!
And you can be the skillful one who teaches me how to do those things.
I can make delicious banana bread and a mean cup of hot tea! :)
Best,
Marie
Yoga teacher training - sounds intriguing. My daughter told me today she wants to be a kindergarten teacher and a yoga teacher. Great story!
Dear Shalet,
Thank you so much. I think it would be good to know a little yoga before becoming a kindergarten teacher - at least the deep, calming breathing part!!
Namaste,
Marie
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