| What is unbalanced praise in a Yoga class? If you | | | | matter where they are in their practice, they are doing |
| teach classes, you may have learned about | | | | a good job, too. Also, the message to those who |
| "unbalanced praise" in Yoga teacher training; but let's | | | | regularly receive praise is 'you're great,' which in my |
| go over the basics. Essentially, unbalanced praise is | | | | opinion, could also lead to performance and |
| favoritism when one student is praised, above all | | | | competition. |
| others, by the teacher. There is a flaw in this method in | | | | I would rather be on the side that I am on because it |
| that the teacher does not see the big picture. | | | | does challenge me to remember my reasons for |
| By "the big picture," I refer to the full scope of what the | | | | practicing Yoga, and it keeps my ego in check. I am |
| teacher is doing. As teachers, our words and actions | | | | just curious how you could help me see this from a |
| create "chain reactions." Unbalanced praise can make | | | | perspective that would enhance my practice and keep |
| one student feel less worthy, while another student | | | | me from becoming frustrated with my teacher, at |
| begins to have an inflated ego. This ultimately brings | | | | times." |
| the whole class out of balance. It is only human to | | | | What is the objective of teaching Yoga? The |
| seek approval of our worthiness. | | | | objective of teaching classes is to end suffering or to |
| Who is the class for? Yoga classes are designed to | | | | reduce it. If I received a letter like this from one of my |
| enhance the lives of every student in attendance. We | | | | students, I have completely missed my objective. |
| want students to become self-aware, but Yoga | | | | When a student feels welcomed, during and after a |
| teachers should be examples of complete | | | | Yoga class, he or she will realize this is the right place |
| consciousness. We must understand the Law of | | | | to be. |
| Karma and the principles of cause and effect, at all | | | | If every student is doing his or her personal best - that |
| times. | | | | is worthy of praise. Just making an appearance is |
| Imagine teaching Yoga classes and reading the | | | | better than most people do. When you praise students, |
| following statement: | | | | make sure it is spread around the entire group. |
| "I currently attend Yoga at a studio and as often as I | | | | If you are a Yoga student who feels left out, you may |
| try to not be bothered by this, it seems my Yoga | | | | want to seek out another teacher or speak honestly |
| teacher always praises certain students and often | | | | to your current teacher. Although, there is a possibility |
| times, completely leaves others out. I happen to be one | | | | that any suggestion from student to teacher might not |
| of them who are left out. I always stay present, | | | | be accepted, some teachers encourage open |
| reminding myself that I am not there to receive praise. | | | | dialogue. No matter who we are, the ego can throw |
| I would like to believe that I am not dependent on the | | | | constructive suggestions aside. |
| teacher's praise. However, because this happens often | | | | If you feel an honest talk will not go well, it may be |
| and many times, it seems I am the only one the | | | | best to sample some other Yoga classes in your area. |
| teacher does not praise; it's hard to not at times take it | | | | It's only human to feel hurt when we are not praised, |
| personally. I often feel that my teacher's actions send | | | | while others are. If what you are receiving from Yoga |
| a message to those that are left out, 'you're not doing | | | | class hurts, and is challenging your self-image, you |
| well enough.' | | | | would be better off practicing at home with DVDs, |
| This bothers me because I believe teachers should | | | | friends, or family members. |
| always find ways to encourage students, that no | | | | |