What makes a good teacher?

Following an email exchange I recently had with one of my Yoga studio instructors, I came to the following conclusion: a good yoga instructor is not necessarily the most flexible being, nor the most enlightened one. He or she do not need to be highly versed in human anatomy, nor be able to read Sanskrit . The best instructors share the following qualities:
passion for what they teach, endless curiosity, and, humble kindness of the heart. The other important components are knowledge and hands-on experience, but these are acquired over time.
I trust that all great teachers, whether for Yoga or any other topic, possess these qualities.

Round and about, I made a promise to myself that the day my passion and curiosity for Yoga, Tai Chi and anything else I instruct, fade, I will voluntarily stop teaching. But for now, each and every class I enter remains in my mind’s eyes, to quote The Beatles, a magical mystery tour; I know where the class begins but have no clue where it will take me. All I know is that it is a journey, and that my class participants are invited for the ride.

Learned from: an email exchange with a yoga instructor

About Ronen

Ronen Divon had been walking spiritual and holistic paths for well over thirty years. Born in Israel, educated in New York, and currently residing in North Carolina, Ronen had traveled the world, spending time with teachers, masters, healers and guides. With wisdom that spans multiple traditions, including the Far East, India, Israel, Brazil, Peru, and Native America, Ronen remains a student, learning and adding modalities that will best serve his clients, each according to their own unique needs. Ronen is also a published author, a Yoga, Meditation, and Tai Chi instructor.

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