you are the container.

So what do you need to hold space for students so that insight and transformation can occur? This sentiment comes from my mentor Livia. Through practice, the teacher learns to hold their own loving presence by witnessing their inner life. When a teacher can learn to embrace themselves in their own vast, energetic field they have a deeper capacity to be that trusting, empathetic, generous presence for students. 

In a recent blog post, Bo Forbes writes, "The term 'container' is derived from the field of psychotherapy, and connotes a “holding environment.” We need to set strong containers as yoga teachers, too; it’s part of our responsibility. Think of this as a metabolic container in which the teacher, teacher trainer, therapist, podcast host, bodyworker, healer, etc. creates a frame of safety around the experience. This means we have to metabolize our own stuff before, during, and after building the container so that we don’t create leaks or render the container unsafe. We need to do a ton of our processing and metabolizing of our reactions in private, so they don’t ask too much of those for whom we hold space. We need boundaries, and the ability to discuss them clearly, and to acknowledge when we have transgressed them. This is hard. Even when you really, really want to unload your own feelings and lash out at others or protect yourself, you’re called upon to apply your yoga and mindfulness skills to hold space for others."  

This means that as a teacher, you need to do the work of acknowledging your blind spots, integrating your shadow and being committed to your own becoming.  Seek out a mentor, a therapist or a trusted friend.  We can only get a sense of who we are in the reflection of another.  

Take a moment today and notice where your container might have 'leaks.' What do you need to do to shore up any instability in your container?  Feel free to share your reflection with me by replying to this email.  I would love to hear from you!