The Next Level

The Next Level

The Next Level

One of the biggest rewards for a teacher is for students to keep coming back. We’re always delighted to see people enjoy classes and programs. Along with routines, we constantly try to give them fresh thoughts and practices to motivate them. We ask for feedback and especially encourage students to talk with each other about their insights and breakthroughs, along with their challenges.

For some individuals, we’re lucky they simply come back. They attend specific classes for their own specific purposes, which apparently are satisfied. They have no interest nor inclination to push themselves any harder, attend more often, broaden their scope, or practice at home. They are well-worth our time because they don’t need anything more, and we know we are doing our job.

But what about the ones who need more? They might need more emotional interaction, sources of more information, a deeper understanding of the philosophies behind yoga practice, or direction in spiritual development. Some ask questions and others say nothing. Some know what they are looking for and others don’t know what’s available for them. Even when we are amiable and open to inquiries or comments, these needs and desires tend to operate on a more subtle level than conversation. For these people, we need to open them to the next level.

Regardless of the content of our yoga classes: asanas, meditation, philosophy, scriptures, chanting or ritual, we have the opportunity to integrate comments into every presentation. We can lead students to ask themselves:

· What will take me deeper?

· If there is one thing I can practice, what is it?

· What is weakest in me and how can I strengthen it?

· Is there something I am not listening to?

· How can I increase my understanding?

· Can I look at things in a different way?

· Is there something I can read or study?

· What can I do that will make me feel more fulfilled?

Likewise, we can ask ourselves the same questions. Yoga is about constantly moving forward, or deeper. It’s about routine, discipline and effort. It’s also about finding inspiration—for ourselves and others. Inquiring and accepting. Expanding and increasing awareness.

It’s great when students arrive, take some courses or classes, and get something out of it. It’s also very good for the students, like ourselves, who see yoga as a lifestyle of profound connection through relationships and spiritual consciousness. It’s up to us to encourage them to engage in everything that yoga has to offer: to ask questions, find resources and discover insights—to take the steps to reach the next level. For those ready to take the journey, it provides a rich and vital experience that is ever-changing and filled with wonder.