Are you tempted to call yourself an ‘advance’ Yoga practitioner? Let’s delve into why this pressure arises and discover three effective strategies to liberate yourself from its grasp.
1) FOMO, Comparison and Competition: In the modern Yoga landscape, comparison with peers and the desire to stand out can ganerate a need for validation in the form of an ‘advanced Yogi’ tag. The fear of falling behind in a competitive environment can drive teachers to hastily adopt this label
2) External Expectations: Society often associates ‘advanced Yogi’ status with expertise. Teachers might feel pressured to conform to these expectations to gain recognition, students, or monetary rewards. Beware, such external validations could override authentic spiritual progress.
3) Ego and Identity: The ego’s attachment to titles and accolades can make Yoga teachers equate their self-worth with being perceived as ‘advanced.’ This identification can result in impatience, pushing for achievements to reinforce a certain image. Many Yoga teachers feel exhausted trying to feed the inexhaustible fire of the ego
So, what can we do to avoid this trap of impatience?
1) Embrace the Journey: Shift focus from destination to journey. Embrace each step, celebrating growth regardless of labels. Recognize that true advancement is measured by inner transformation & contentment (Santosha) rather than external titles
2) Cultivate Authentic Studentship: Foster a genuine connection with your own self-study by first being a sincere student. Prioritize study, personal growth and well-being over public image. Authenticity aligns spiritual practices with inner values, reducing the need for external validation
3) Be Patient and Practice Self-Compassion: Replace impatience with self-compassion. Understand that everyone’s journey is unique. Kindness towards oneself encourages a sustainable and mindful approach to growth, preventing rushed attempts to prove ‘advancement’
Friends, remember, you cannot be an advanced teacher without first being a mature student. Reduce external expectations (Vairagya) & focus on yourself (Abhyasa), there is no need to rush
All that you truly seek is within you already.
