Vegas, Baby! (& Seat of the Teacher)

Anecdotal Anatomy

This is an unusual episode as it started with an announcement and casually moved into a discussion on the Seat of the Teacher.

The announcement was that the hosts of Anecdotal Anatomy are heading to Las Vegas for a Podcast Convention and will be taking a week or two off from dropping full episodes. They are planning to do “lives” on social media, as well as other recordings that will fill these Thursday morning drops until after their return.

Some of this conversation may be uncomfortable for some to hear, especially if there’s a shadow to be illuminated. To be clear, none of what is discussed is an indictment of any individual teacher, school, studio, or class, rather observations of the bigger culture of Yoga as we continue to figure out what that looks like in the West. It is an ongoing conversation and can foster frustration as well as great clarity and “aha” moments.

Whether one follows a particular lineage or enjoys the variety of teachings that are being offered and consumed, it is ultimately up to the student to verify, evaluate, and contextualize. This takes effort and curiosity.

Scrutiny is not a judgment; it is a refining tool that allows for better understanding of the origin stories and evolution of what we hold and treasure today as modern Yoga.

In no way should anyone feel shamed for teaching what they’ve been taught, we start where we are and go from there. If open and present, teachers show up in the most unlikely places and help guide us to higher ground. Often, that is uncomfortable, as Sherry shares a humbling story that reactivated a curiosity that had become dormant. Theresa’s view on the path of professional development was grounding and an important reminder that we start where we are, or we may become paralyzed and never begin at all.

The value of honoring the practices contained in lineage is that they have withstood the test of time, decades & centuries (some, millennia). There’s something to be said for that, as we innovate and improvise, we must also honor and attribute to the source.

While this episode may feel a bit confrontational at times, it is balanced by the direct experience of magical moments on the mat, teachers who touch hearts, fearless students who show up to expand their bodies, hearts & minds, and the compassion that allows us to grow through resistance.

Ending on an UP note!

Both hosts met at a local yoga studio in Yardley, PA called, The Prancing Peacock. Theresa was teaching the anatomy module of the 200-hour teacher training (2010) and Sherry was taking the training.

Liz Conner, Chief Peacock (owner of the studio), has built a community grounded in compassion, big dreaming, and love. So many who have passed through those doors are living dreams that were seeded on her enchanted property. While Theresa & Sherry no longer actively teach there, they acknowledge the significance of their time and experience at the Prancing Peacock and it has, in part, led them here.

The hosts are grateful for all that came before, all that is for now, and the mystery of what is to come!

Heartfelt Sources for further study:

Tantra Illuminated (book) by Christopher D. Wallis Website

CHITHEAD (Podcast) – E#9 with Christopher Tompkins

Prancing Peacock Yoga Studio

Our Amazing Team:

Judith George - Editor (video & audio)

Keith Kenny - Music

Cindy Fatsis - Photography