Yoga - new teacher, may challenge

[fox_c]

tashar and austengirl asked how my search for a new yoga teacher is going. I mused about part of my dilemma in a comment on _ishtahar_'s real life blog a few weeks ago, but let's start from the beginning.

I've actually been attending my usual class with the new guy. It is just ok, but very tense. He always puts a cd on to "distract us from the gym sounds", and then proceeds

Comments

[austengirl]

I think you're right in that it's time to look elsewhere. You gave the new guy a fair chance and reasonable amount of time. No point in forcing it if the teacher/student compatibility isn't there

Fascinating...

[tashar]

...because in traditional yogic practice - including what you and I think of as a yoga class, and traditionally including many other ritual practices, including dance, and bathing - you just don't touch someone who is practicing. It's up to them to figure it out and correct themselves

[tsarren]

I've never done yoga, but over a decade ago I was in a karate class... we were stretching, the basic not-quite-splits where you sit on the ground, straighten your legs, and open them as wide as possible, and then some leaning towards each foot type of thing. And this asshole junior instructor comes along and completely without warning, hooks his foot around one of my ankles and yanks my leg further back by about 4". Effing pissed me off; I'd been in ballet seven years prior to that, and I know what my limits are and how to properly stretch, thanks loads dude for almost tearing a muscle.

You're not one of 'those' students; you're being polite and, most importantly, looking out for yourself. You're not compatible with this guy; move on. We can't connect with every single one of the 7 billion people on the planet (where 'connect' means 'learn from' and 'teach', I guess). Best of luck with your search!