| What is integrity? Simply put: Integrity is doing the right | | | | intolerance usually follows "tunnel vision." |
| thing. Why should a Yoga instructor be an example of | | | | Instead of dividing into smaller groups at every turn, |
| integrity? Yoga teachers have a responsibility to | | | | Yoga schools and styles, should be networking with |
| demonstrate a balanced lifestyle. If someone is not up | | | | each other. Luckily, this is a rarity for schools to |
| to the task, why choose to teach classes? | | | | operate on the fundamentalist fringe, but the fact that |
| Most Yoga teachers work exclusively with adults, but | | | | some Yoga students gravitate in this direction is scary. |
| some work with children, too. Either way, you | | | | A lack of integrity is a mental weakness. For an adult |
| demonstrate integrity by "walking the walk." Teaching | | | | to be influenced by a crowd taking the wrong action is |
| integrity is a responsibility that is much more than role | | | | an example of a lack of integrity. A positive self-image |
| playing. Let's look at an example of a way where | | | | goes hand-in-hand with integrity, because a person |
| Yoga teachers should be examples of integrity. | | | | who has strong personal values can think for himself |
| Within every ashram, and Yoga studio, is a culture. The | | | | or herself. |
| culture of every Yoga class determines the success | | | | Some will say: "Define right action and make rules for |
| of the collective group. If you lead with integrity, you | | | | us to follow." For those who need to have a rule for |
| can never go wrong. Honesty, ethics, and discipline are | | | | everything, there are three words that define right |
| admirable standards for any organization. | | | | action. To say it simply: "Do no harm." We also know |
| On the other hand, if you preach that you are the only | | | | this as Ahimsa (the first Yama). |
| source of reliable information, you have crossed the | | | | If you follow this one guideline, there is no need for a |
| line. Some Yoga teachers will claim their style is the | | | | thousand rules. Yet, history has shown us that rules |
| only true style. Their Guru is the "Big Kahuna" of Yoga. | | | | are made for most of us, because a rare few need to |
| Some of the more interesting claims are: "Everyone | | | | push the boundaries of common sense to get their |
| else teaches phony Yoga, because my path is right, | | | | way. As a result of these infractions - religions, |
| pure, and the only path that is real." Looking down a | | | | governments, and organizations, must institute rules. |
| tunnel will keep you and your students focused, but | | | | |