Sri Dharma Mittra's presence at Charm City Yoga Fest (August 22-24 in Monkton, MD) is an amazing opportunity and honor to our yoga community. During the last five years, I have had the privilege and fortune to learn from Sir Dharma and during this time have taken his 500hr and 800hr teacher training courses. The following are some things I've learned from my personal experience and from teachings I've received from Sri Dharma himself. 1. Respect the Teachings: Do what the teacher says (unless it doesn't feel OK.) Some of the postures Dharma Mittra (and other teachers from other linages) teachers are not done in the same way as other styles of yoga. For example, Dharma's downward facing dog. Even though it's natural for me now to do Dharma's style of down dog, when I'm in an Ashtanga class or Vinyasa class or any class other than Dharma's I do the down dog and all the postures how they are prescribed. Don't assume the way you have been taught is "right" or "wrong"; it's just different. This goes for any class with any teacher- even if it's the teacher's first day. Good students are receptive to all ways and forms. 2. Copy the Teacher: Sri Dharma tells many stories of his guru and how he learned from his guru by copying him. Sit how the teacher sits, put your hands in the same way as the teacher during mediation & breathing, watch and copy how the teacher moves into yoga postures, ect. Eventually you will gain the teacher's steadiness and insight. 3. Don't Move... until the Teacher says so: This takes discipline. Unless you are in pain, stay in the pose without moving until the teacher says to move- even if you have been in Warrior II for more than 10 breaths. Also, resist the urge to do other variations unless the teacher offers them. If you practice under these guidelines you will soon gain mental and physical strength. 4. Be Receptive: If you are not sure about the knowledge being imparted by the teacher, do not doubt- instead be receptive to the possibility and then over time check it out for yourself. Be willing to accept that even if something doesn't make sense or connect with you, doesn't mean it's false or won't be a good fit for someone else. 5. Remove your Expectations: It is common for us to expect something miraculous from a "famous" and/or well respected teacher- especially if you are searching for something. These expectations often lead to disappointment. Being in the presence of a renowned teacher or guru is an honor. The wisdom they have cannot be imparted or received during one class. The first class is a starting point, and then keep going until there is nothing else to learn. I'm fairly confident that if you can follow these guidelines in your routine yoga classes you will be amazed at your progress in all aspects of your practice. Namaste.
