Finding a teacher

[Lauri]

So, I have been practicing for 7 or 8 years now, and I've been through a 200-hour teacher training program with a broad scope rather than one style. I've taken workshops with many great local teachers (Jennifer Davis, Tara Cindy Sherman, Amber Huttner, etc.) and with many nationally recognized teachers (Rod Stryker, Gurmukh, Ana Forrest, Alana Kaivalya, Desiree Rumbaugh, etc.) but I don't have a TEACHER.

I feel like I'm ready to focus. I know I lean toward the Tantric side of yoga rather than the Classical (Iyengar, Ashtanga), but I don't know how to choose, how to focus. Or, once I decice, how to go about getting someone to agree to be my TEACHER.

Any thoughts? advice? personal experiences you could share?

[Gypsy Girl]

There is that old saying "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear" I guess that would suggest to go with the flow, be patient and your teacher will show up.
also:
"Practice and all is coming" Patanjali

[Lauri]

Yes, I have heard that -- I will try to be patient!

Actually, many signs point me to Kundalini, but if I am completely honest with myself, I keep turning away because it seems too radical and I am a bit afraid of that. Can there be compromise or will I feel like that isn't being fully present and truthful to the practice? Every experience I have ever had with Kundalini has resonated on such a deep level that I should probably work out those questions.

[Yogamum]

Well, if that is what you feel drawn to, you'll never know if you can be "true" to the practice unless you delve further into it. So maybe spend some time exploring, looking for the best teacher you can find, but reserving judgment over whether you are "committing" to just the one practice?

[Kyrsten]

Even if you start down the path of Kundalini and end up finding that it's not right for you, there is no reason why you cannot change paths. I know a woman who started off practicing Kundalini and now she practices Ashtanga and she teaches a class called "Hathalini" which, as you may have guessed, blends hatha and kundalini. Unfortunately I can't give you much advice in the area of finding a teacher as I am feeling a bit lost in that area myself. Someone on this site used to be my teacher, but due to circumstances beyond either of our controls she couldn't be. I ended up with a teacher/mentor for a 100 hour training that I am doing right now, but I feel that after I am done with the training that I will need a different teacher. Will my old teacher come back, will I move to California so that I can study full time with Tim Miller? That would be ideal. But I have a house and a husband and live in Ohio. So, I have found my path to be Ashtanga - very traditional, but I have to agree with Gypsy Girl that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. I have a feeling that my teacher will show up very soon.

[Emma]

It seems good advice to follow what truly calls to you, even if it's scary. And I don't just say that because I love Kundalini. ;)

[Lauri]

Thank you all so much for your insights! I am glad you stumbled across it and happy to hear some of your own experiences.

I had to laugh when I read Kyrsten's description of "Hathalini" -- I have actually combined hatha and kundalini in some of my own classes but never thought of that snappy name!

And maybe some of the questions that Krysten asked -- can we really abandon our lives to follow a teacher? probably not! -- are part of what's holding me back. How to find the right balance?

So, I will likely keep on as Yogamum has suggested, exploring and seeing where I want to delve further. And not letting my fears keep me from being open, Emma!

[Kyrsten]

Well, I believe that the name "Hathalini" is trademarked by our studio now, so watch using it! But it is a snappy name. I haven't ever taken the class - I'm such an Ashtanga snob, but I think I will this Saturday - you've inspired me to step outside the box. I'll have to write on my blog about what happened between my own teacher and me yesterday. It was strange given the conversation we've been having!

[Lauri]

Ah, I will keep that trademark in mind -- who knew? I am honored to help inspire you to try it, let us know how it goes. And I will check for your post on your teacher!

[Kyrsten]

Oh, I blogged about him today. We sort of had to go throught the fire yesterday. Things came to a head, but we have a stronger relationship for it.

[Putmoo]

I know this is a old comment but the Hathalini thing reminded me of something that was going around about combining Bikram and Ashtanga and calling it "Bikshtanaga". My friend was showing the email or article or whatever to a sudio owner and I guess she got a bit huffy about it saying that one of the comtemporary teachers (that she wasaligning her studio with) was doing that (but without the name - he wanted to use his own name, of course).

[jennifer davis]

I know what you mean .... twice in my life I've had a "teacher". Now I don't concider myself to have a teacher, but I continue to study with several wonderful yogis. I find teachings from my practice, my students, teachers, books, friends, family, my puppy, the moon .... I take what I can find and I study a lot on my own. When I get frusterated, I wish I had someone to give me the answers, but it can be amazing what you can find on your own....

[lisa hill]

i have always thought that tantra is a way of life, the left hand path. (i think tantra IS classical, as it was originally practiced by the lower castes who were not allowed to practice the other yoga paths). it's possible if you look in the right places, you will find what your heart is aching for. definitely go to india for this. i have always been a firm believer in one path, one guru, always been told worshiping more causes mental dysfunction.
much luck to you