Seva

Seva (selfless service) in the yoga shala can be as simple as lighting incense when it has burned out or collectively caring for the space. It can also extend to assisting fellow practitioners in their yoga practice. To be invited by one's teacher to ‘assist’ is a huge honor, signifying that the student has demonstrated dedication, awareness, and maturity in their practice and is ready to serve the community.

However, with this honor comes added responsibility and the beginning of a new phase of learning. Alongside deepening their personal practice, the student must now dedicate time and energy to supporting others consistently while refining their teaching skills.

The assisting role calls upon the commitment, mindfulness, self-reflection and accountability that has been fostered during personal practice and asks that it is now shared with others. This is how yoga grows, gradually taking up more and more space in our lives, both on and off the mat.

I’d like to acknowledge, our assistants for the positive warm energy they are bringing into our shala and their willingness to serve and to learn. They are learning how to observe, read and adjust your bodies; how to listen to your breath; how to hold a safe space for you whilst you shift and channel stuck energy, gain insight into limiting beliefs or emotional patterns, discover and accept who you are for better and for worse. They are learning when to step in and when to back off, to let you find your way, because being adjusted is as important as not being adjusted. Being attentive to your needs can mean fostering your sense of independence and autonomy, giving you space for you own inquiry. In this way we will work together and learn together. I too am constantly learning, from my own practice and from yours.

Whilst we limit engagement of conversation during the practice it is important that you communicate any injuries, niggles, discomforts, or physical issues you may have. Never be afraid to re-iterate or remind myself or our assistants. Each day is different, each day WE are different, if on any given day you do not wish to be adjusted please just let me/us know. Remember this is your space. We are here to facilitate the optimum environment for you to focus (drishti), move your body in sync with your breathe, and observe your relationship with yourself as you journey through deeper layers of your mind, your emotions and your body.

Self-inquiry practice tools:

•       It can be helpful to set intentions before you practice: dedicate the energy of your practice to a            person, situation, or vibration that you wish to cultivate.

•       Every now and then stop and remind yourself WHY you practice.

•       Some useful questions to you kick off your self-inquiry are:

         Who am I?    What is meaningful to me?    How can I serve?