Maintaining an eye toward sustainability can be considered a way of righteousness in varying fields of work and study. Through the lens of Yoga this could be seen as our dharma. Yoga philosophy sees the combination of spiritual discipline in order to guide one’s life as our individual duty/dharma. Many Yoga folk also extend this pursuit beyond themselves to others.
A direct translation of the dharma, and its essence varies based on the culture. The Classical Sanskrit noun dharma is a derivation from the root dhṛ/dhri, which has a meaning of to maintain or keep. ‘The collection of natural and universal laws that uphold, sustain, or uplift’* is another definition of this root.
Certain Vedic translations akin it to nyaya (Justice), “what is right in a given circumstance, moral values of life, pious obligations of individuals, righteous conduct in every sphere of activity, being helpful to other living beings, giving charity to individuals in need of it or to a public cause or alms to the needy…**
Beyond being a teacher on the mat or from the cushion there are Yoga folk performing seva and doing what is right in a given circumstance. Their work in the world upholds, sustains and uplifts those who may never encounter or couldn’t access Yoga without their efforts. Please see them here. If you know of others write us: source@theYoke.Yoga.
Another aspect of sustainability that surfaced in the initial conversations leading to theYoke highlighted aspects related to personal sustainability. Teachers and program directors noted:
- feeling a sense of competition
- being overwhelmed by time constraints to teach, learn and practice
- confusion on how to promote
- uncertainty of being able to do it all
- feeling inadequate and overwhelmed at times in their roles
Addressing these concerns and thoughts is one pillar of theYoke’s mission.
The first program we have developed to assist with some of these feelings is a mentoring network named Pay It Forward. This is a complimentary program for Yoga Professional members of theYoke kula.
Additional information gathered on the site to assist with business time constraints and promotional needs can be found in theOffice.
– a wide range of documents that Yoga professionals use in teaching
and running programs
– considerations for promoting oneself and marketing
– low down on social media essentials
– legal considerations
– information on companies seeking Yoga ambassadors
– even playlists from teachers across the globe
– database of teaching scripts/class outlines
and several other aspects can all be accessed by Yoga Professional members.
Finally, theYoke also heard of underlying issues in being sustainable from teacher to student to studio owner. These issues could seen by as the dark side and can feel yucky, however having conversations about them is essential. We are starting with these three.
- Body Image and have highlighted the work of the Yoga and Body Image Coalition.
- There is a blog post by Yoga Dork to start the dialogue.
- Care of the Student. The difference between a Yoga teacher and a Yoga instructor and more.
- Personal care is discussed in a video by a well known Yoga activist, Sean Corne.
Got thoughts on other hot, taboo or un-noted topics?
Drop us a line at: source@theYoke.Yoga.
*http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Dharma
** http://veda.wikidot.com/dharma