What I've become more aware of over the last few years is how important sharing and helping people is to me. It's in my DNA. As is my creative gene.
You may know that traditionally yoga was taught from one person to one person, a teacher passing on their experience and knowledge to others, this is called lineage.
You may not have heard of Viniyoga though, as it's not often referred to in a 'modern yoga' setting. I suppose it's like 1:1 private teaching, which often isn't accessible to most.
Viniyoga was developed as an approach to yoga practice by Sri TKV Desikachar and his father Sri T Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya is considered to be the leading figure in all of yoga in the western world today. All current yoga traditions stem from his teachings.
Viniyoga supports a more one to one approach. One of my teachers, Dave Charlton has come from this tradition and I learned a lot from him.
Here's a bit more info about Viniyoga if you'd like to read more. https://www.viniyoga.com.sg/our-tradition-krishnamacharya-desikachar-kausthub
The world of yoga is very different now to how it was when it first came to the West in the 1960's. There's a lot of money being made too. You can't help but question how do you balance sharing yoga with commerce whilst being authentic to this tradition?
I feel it goes back to the first limb and the first yama in the 8 fold path. Ahimsa means non harm. This is back to very basic principles. Obviously and literally, this is non harm to others physically and emotionally. But probably more importantly, it's about respecting the tradition and all the knowledge our teachers have shared with us along the way.
Sharing something you've studied and practiced for a long time is a very special experience. Especially so when you can see the changes and impact it has on someone.
I've been lucky enough in 20 years of teaching to have shared yoga with so many gorgeous souls. In lots of health clubs, gyms, yoga centres across London as well as in many private and corporate groups. It has been and continues to be a real privilege. It's an experience where we continue to learn and grow together. I'm also really loving combining and sharing other aspects of my creativity alongside yoga too.
The collaborations I've done with Mark from Tuned in Sound, in the Gong Baths and the Art Flow I've done with Sheena have been great. The One Day Retreats planned for next year with the Scandi inspired Paus. have been pretty much booked up within 24 hours and I can't wait to visit them to finalise plans.
I'm also delighted to be sharing more Wreath Making Workshops with some of you towards the end of the month. This again is something I've practiced (probably as long as yoga) and can't wait to get stuck into this. For me this ticks all the boxes of being sustainable, beautiful and wholesome, as well as bringing a start of Christmas cheer to our homes.
I hope that you can get to share some of your own time honed experiences and skills too.
Namaste.
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