Lighting the Way: Yamas and Niyamas for Teachers and Leaders

B.K.S. Iyengar said, “Teaching is a difficult art, but it is the best service you can do to humanity.”

As teachers, caregivers, administrators, and leaders, we can easily get in trouble with ourselves or the people we help. Giving, idealization, emotional reaction, and any unconsciousness in our methods of guidance, all carry risks of burnout, disappointment, reactivity, and disenchantment. How do we cultivate exemplary behavior, accepting and learning at the boundary between ourselves and others, as we work to light the way?

In this two-hour workshop, we will explore traditional teachings on the Yamas and Niyamas (universal vows and personal disciplines) and how they relate to wholesome, developmental boundaries at work. We will use your questions, as well as examples inspired by the Ethical Guidelines for Iyengar Yoga Teachers, to study practices useful for a wide range of leadership arts. Participants of all levels of yoga practice, and from any helping or guiding profession, are welcome.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, and submit a question by March 5th to connect@victoriaaustin.org