Personal Practice and Understanding of Teachings – Part 1

To excel as a teacher, it is
essential to prioritize personal practice and self-study. This commitment to
your development encourages the mindset of a lifelong learner, fostering
curiosity and the desire for improvement. Regularly seeking feedback is crucial;
it invites self-awareness regarding personal weaknesses and mistakes while
enhancing professional growth. A profound understanding of yoga is
fundamental, differentiating between “naive practice,” which relies
on mere repetition, and “deliberate practice,” which is purposeful
and designed to enhance skills. Teach only what you have thoroughly embodied,
avoiding topics you are still learning. If questions arise that exceed your
expertise, refer students to knowledgeable colleagues.

Personal practice is at the heart of effective teaching. Time spent on the
mat acts as a teacher itself, exposing patterns and habits. Without ongoing
personal practice, the depth of understanding and connection to yoga remains
superficial, limiting your effectiveness as an instructor. Regular
practice—regardless of duration—outweighs infrequent, long sessions. Yoga
is not confined to elaborate sequences; it can include meditation, pranayama,
or simple mindfulness practices woven into daily routines. Make yoga
accessible and essential in your life, integrating it into everyday moments
rather than relegating it to a weekly commitment.

Additionally, acknowledging the necessity of time management helps
reinforce the importance of daily yoga practice. Embrace flexibility, finding
ways to incorporate practice into a busy lifestyle, such as iterating mantras
during transit or while engaged in other activities. Though multitasking
should not become habitual, it allows for continuity in personal practice
during hectic days, catering to modern life’s demands.

While personal practice focuses on introspection, professional development
requires reaching out for external knowledge. Engaging with interdisciplinary
teachings—philosophy, anatomy, and biomechanics—inspires continuous
learning and enhances pedagogical skills. Embrace feedback from your students
and peers; this process highlights your strengths and illuminates areas for
growth. Cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning is paramount; the more you
learn, the more you realize how much there is to know. All educators should
routinely seek new insights, embracing the infinite opportunities for growth
and improvement in their teaching methodologies and understanding of their
students.

Differentiating between “naive” and “deliberate”
practice is vital for growth as a teacher. It’s crucial to understand that
mere repetition does not inherently lead to improvement. True progress arises
from a targeted and reflective practice, where one identifies weaknesses and
actively seeks to address them. Incorporate meaningful challenges into your
teaching, soliciting feedback from mentors or integrating new elements into
your practice. Once a certain level of proficiency is achieved, routine tasks
can become automatic, ceasing to foster growth. Continued practice does not
guarantee improvement; thus, developing a strategic approach is
essential.

It is important to stay true to what you know. Share knowledge only from
your personal experience and understanding, acknowledging the distinction
between what you are ready to teach and what remains part of your learning
journey. Embrace your “exciting gaps”—the areas where your knowledge is
limited—and keep that content in your study rather than your teaching
realm. This honest approach leads to a rich, authentic teaching style
grounded in personal experience and understanding.

For further insights on personal practice and effective teaching
methodologies, visit [Ashtanga Tech’s Study
Guide](https://ashtanga.tech/study-guide/teaching-arts/teaching-methodology-2/teaching-foundations/personal-practice-knowledge-of-the-teachings-part-1/).