A Code of Ethics for Yoga Teachers

Awhile back I had a discussion with a teacher about a Code of Ethics for yoga teachers. He raised the point that there was no need to sign a Code because of his strong commitment to his yoga tradition demonstrated by daily practice and adherence to the Yamas and Niyamas which in fact provide a ‘higher code’ for him. This got me thinking, “is a code of ethics redundant for yoga teachers?”

As YogaBC, the yoga association of British Columbia, moves to adopt its first Code of Ethics the AGM, June 13th, 2009, I pondered further and realized a code of ethics is not just for teachers; but perhaps more importantly, it is for the public. A code of ethics, code of conduct, teacher registry programs – all of the stuff that makes up a professional association – is put in place for the people we serve. I would suggest that a professional association which consists of these public safety structures is even more essential for the yoga community than in many other professional communities. Yoga practitioners must take a leap of faith as they put their body, mind and spirit into the hands and intentions of their yoga teachers. In fact the number one question we get at the association from the public, “what yoga should I practice, and from whom?” let's us know the public wants some guidance and reassurance.

So I have come to think of signing a code of ethics as the least I can do as a teacher to best serve the public and allow me to share the teachings I deeply believe in. Surely this may seem one sided coming from the yoga association’s community relations manager. I would love to hear your opinions, especially those who disagree and/or can add further insight. In the meantime here is a one question anonymous poll to see what your fellow yogis think.

Regards,
Simone

Simone Riml

Community Relations Manager

The Power of "Common-Unity"

Spending last weekend with over 100 yoga teachers, teacher trainers, practitioners and general yoga enthusiast at Yoga Outreach’s annual weekend retreat fundraiser was truly an experience of the power of community - which was appropriately enough themed ‘Community’ – but not for the reasons I had assumed before I arrived. I love group stuff, I always find it fun, inspiring, and rejuvenating – makes sense as a community relations person. Although, coming from a Kundalini tradition I didn’t think there would be much there for me as a teacher because I practice in a ‘different’ tradition.

However, as I experienced really great workshops from Anusara to Ashtanga and many teachers from ‘different’ traditions, with their own authentic styles, personalities, and belief systems, I moved into a deeper understanding and experience of yoga for myself, and in turn will share with my students. A place I wouldn’t have got to without reaching out and being a part of this large diverse community. Mary-Jo Fetterly, founder of Trinity Yoga, described community as “common” “unity.” For us on the Westcoast we are lucky to have the opportunity to come together and learn from a diverse community but I realized the magic of unity only happens when I a) show up and b) show up as supportive, open minded and ready to receive. The excellent food, beautiful BC surroundings combined with endless sunshine didn’t hurt either!

If anyone has some photos of the weekend I would like to post a couple please send a couple along to simone@yogabc.org.

Regards,
Simone

Inside the Yoga Studio - Meet Karen!

Karen Rempel is a registered yoga teacher and Reiki master, and the director of Monkey Valley Retreat Centre, located near Merritt BC. She leads retreats at the centre, and also apprentices on vision fasts in Colorado and California. She teaches tools to help people find healing and guidance in nature, including the medicine walk, medicine wheel, four shields of (human) nature, other ecopsychology methods, and yoga and meditation, as well as guiding questers on vision fasts.

I asked Karen the ten famous 'Inside the Actor's Studio' questions, here's her answers:

1. What is your favorite word? Pomegranate.

2. What is your least favorite word? Dick.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Running in the woods, intimate conversations, feeling connected to wild animals and the beloved.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Commercials, people who say "I love you all."

5. What sound or noise do you love? Birds singing.

6. What sound or noise do you hate? Weed whackers.

7. What is your favorite curse word? Jesus f%&*! christ.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Private detective.

9. What profession would you not like to do? Nurse.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? You were right to tell that woman she was loud and obnoxious. It really helped her learn and grow as a person.

Click here to check-out Monkey Valley's upcoming retreats.

Thanks,

Simone

Is This Economy Good for Yoga?

I've been talking to yoga teachers, studio owners and teacher trainers and it seems that as our hopes for a speedy recovery of the economy fade, participation in yoga classes, training, and workshops rise. Why? Some would guess that the first place to cut back would be luxuries like yoga classes and training.

Perhaps our yoga studios are the gyms of the early 80’s that experienced record membership numbers during a time of particularly high unemployment. In terms of training to become a teacher, I recently read, people who are being laid-off or think they may be soon, are taking the time to ‘pursue their passion,’ as either another career or to supplement their income, or simply have the time to explore the teachings of yoga more deeply.

Perhaps more to the point, we are all craving the experience of 'going inside' and connecting with that state of peace and well-being that resides in all of us that is not attached to any ‘thing.’ Yoga and meditation is a way to cultivate this unwavering connection. And it is nice to know, as yoga practioners we have the ability to connect and as teachers and trainers, we can share the tools yoga offers to relieve a little stress in our communities. To be continued…

Simone

Community Relations Manager

YogaBC

(image with permission from yogadork.com a blog)

Meet Tina Inside the Yoga Studio

Meet Tina Grant, YogaBC Board member. These are her answers to the 10 questions made famous on Inside the Actors Studio:

1) What is your favorite word? Delicious

2) What is your least favorite word? No

3) What turns you on ... Creatively? A blank canvas, whether it is a room, a garden or a new student... Spiritually? The thought that I am an important piece of the universal puzzle.

4) What turn you off creatively, spiritually & emotionally? Closed minds

5) What sound do you love? The sound of rain on the window when I am warm and happy inside.

6) What sound do I hate? The sound of someone filing their nails! (just the thought of it gave me the shivers)!

7) What is your favorite curse word? Well I can not tell a lie, it is, and always has been, F*#K! Nothing else expresses the good, the bad, and the ugly with such passion.

8) What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? Design-Fashion, Interior, or Landscape.

9) What profession would you not like to do? Anything where I am sitting at a desk all day.

10) If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?Wow what a fantastic trip that was!! I hope you enjoyed living it as much as I enjoyed watching it! Now pull up a seat, make yourself at home and I’ll answer all those questions you’ve been asking all your life…

Inside the Yoga Studio -- Meet Ryan!

Meet Ryan Smith, YogaBC President and Board member. These are his answers to the 10 questions made famous on Inside the Actors Studio:







1. What is your favorite word? Love.



2. What is your least favorite word? Hate. There are some people who use this word casually, and I try to control my facial expressions, but honestly I wince inside.



3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Bright, warm sunshine at a park or beach with a nice view.



4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Dark, damp, moldy places with people who are so afraid to be honest and open with one another. Like trolls and goblins – they can really put a damper on a place.



5. What sound or noise do you love? The food bell. :)



6. What sound or noise do you hate? The sound of people shouting in anger at each other.



7. What is your favorite curse word? Doh!



8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Stargate SG1 officer. Or chaiwallah on a beach in Goa.



9. What profession would you not like to do? Accountant.



10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “Let’s party!” Then funky dub music launches out on a beach with tropical birds flying around. I think that would be so funny.

Feel free to use the comments section below,


Simone

Inside the Yoga Studio - Meet Sue!

Hi Everyone! Meet Susan Horning, YogaBC Board member and owner and operator of Unity Yoga Teahouse. These are her answers to the 10 questions made famous on Inside the Actors Studio:

1. What is your favourite word?

Treasure. I treasure each day in each moment as a gift and treasure the people around me. I delight starting each day as I am, enjoying the treasures I find along the way.

2. What is your least favourite word?

My least favourite word is abuse. Imagine what kind of world it would be without the abuse of power, abuse of property, abuse of language, or abuse of respect!

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

The idea that there is something greater that we all strive toward inspires me. The mystery of the universe and its creative connections that are weaved into everything around us is inspiring even in something as simple as a traffic jam –imagine the bigger picture that surrounds it and its just another cosmic contraction or expansion.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

People who are not creative, spiritual, or emotional.

5. What sound or noise do you love?

The sound of Techno, loud, with my high def earplugs in.

6. What sound or noise do you hate?

The sound of death.

7. What is your favourite curse word?

Mreow.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?


I’d love to be a Politician – sort of. Maybe not a Politician, but a Spiritual Leader.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

I don’t think I’d like to be a Miner working deep underground.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

“Want to do it again?”

Feel free to add a couple of your answers to these questions, in the comments section below,
thanks,
Simone