Abhijata spoke again on the second day of the conference
about how to be an Iyengar student. It
is a subject that I’ve wanted to understand from different perspectives. I find
myself wanting to share this style of yoga and encourage others to come to a
class, but since Iyengar Yoga is such an experiential style of yoga – words
never seem to do it justice.
However, Abhijata explained through metaphor. Metaphor enables people who have never
experienced Iyengar Yoga to get a better sense of what to expect by using a memory
of something else they have experienced.
In this case, Abhijata used the metaphor of a journey. Most people have experienced a journey of
some kind in their lifetime. Therefore,
it is a readily available, universal experience. Something they can access to
help them learn what is being taught.
As a teacher in training, we are encouraged to be direct and
simple in our speech. However, if a student is unable to understand the
experience of lifting up their legs and kneecaps, utilizing figurative language
might help them create the action needed.
For example, in an Iyengar class you might hear something
like, “Stand tall. Act Tall.” While that
may not be as direct as pull up your kneecaps, at least you know the direction
the teacher wants the action go, because everyone knows what direction acting
tall takes you, right?
Abhijata explained that in a journey we first plan and
decide where we are going to go. In the case of yoga there are many styles of
yoga you can choose and the choice is yours. However, once you choose where you
are going you buy a ticket. The ticket is your commitment to the journey.
From that commitment you have to open yourself up for
everything that journey offers. Those of us who committed to coming to India
for the first time to take the Geeta Iyengar Intensive had to open ourselves
up to a multifaceted set of variables: the good, the bad, the beautiful, and
the ugly.
Abhijata continued by saying that even if the journey is not
what you expected or wanted, you can’t hold back or allow fear to take over
once we have committed. Once you commit you have to commit to being a student
of Iyengar Yoga whole-heartedly ---with unconditional love.
The journey metaphor was a beautiful segue from her earlier
words about how her grandfather practiced his yoga, worked his yoga, and
vacationed his yoga. His unconditional
love of yoga was second to none. He will forever stand as a shining example of
how to be an Iyengar Yoga student.
Thank you, Abhijata.
Namaste.
Thank you, Abhijata.
Namaste.
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