I just received and read (very quickly as it was so interesting) the Donna Fahri book 'Teaching Yoga: Ethics & the teacher-student relationship'. It is fantastic. Really interesting for anyone thinking about yoga teaching or has done teacher training recently like I have. I love her straightforward approach and also the emphasis on practical aspects of teaching like making sure you create effective boundaries with your students. She is very interested in the ethics of teaching for example should you become friends with your students.
It has made me think about the way I conduct myself when I am being taught and in general it has emphasised that I take on the responsibility for my yoga practice rather than overly relying on a teacher. I suppose this is reflected by the fact that I am taught by three main teachers. Although they are all teaching ashtanga.
It also makes me realise that when beginner students ask me questions I have to be honest about what I do and do not know. I am just a beginner teacher and I don't know it all, probably never will! But I do know a bit and that is what I will teach and hopefully well.
So everyone at work is winding up for Christmas and as a result my e-mail inbox has been pretty quiet today. I don't like it when it is quiet, perversley. It confuses me as I worry I am not doing enough. I am making an effort to enjoy it though, I will be much happier when I am on holiday and can devote myself to relaxing, doing some nice home practices and seeing my family. It is times like Christmas when I realise how fast my life goes normally, it is good thing to slow down, a very good thing.