Who Is Your Teacher?

I'm not a fan of this question.As a yoga teacher I get it a lot.“What style of yoga do you teach?” “Where did you study?” “Who were your teachers?”Most of the time, I know these are asked innocently and out of pure intention to engage in conversation.Don’t get me wrong.  Teachers are important. Without them I wouldn’t know how to stand on my head without permanently damaging my neck or when to use a t-test for statistical analysis. We need people to share their gifts and the building blocks of whatever we are learning.Plus, my husband is a public school teacher and one of the ways I make a living is teaching others how to be yoga teachers and Reiki practitioners.  So, the value of teachers is not lost on me.However, I was at an event a few weeks ago when a gentleman spoke predominantly about his teacher; his teacher’s method, what his teacher said he should do, what his teacher believes, how he implements his teacher’s teachings.  Most of his answers were centered around his teacher.What did this man think?I. Have. No. Idea.In yoga and, more importantly, in life we get caught up in lineages; I went to this Ivy League school.  I studied yoga at this ashram in India with this guru.  My kid is in this prep school. I go to this church. I work for this company.One. This ends up alienating people.Two. It takes away your ability to see your own gifts and uniqueness.Three. It shuts down the possibility of honoring others’ experiences… Which leads us back to alienation.Us v. Them.What happens if everyone is your teacher?What does it look like if your life experiences are just as valuable as what you learned in a formal classroom?How does your perspective change if you still honor your teachers (be they Jesus, Swami Satchidananda, or Professor Fancy Pants), but you live their teachings through YOUR life?You matter.Otherwise you wouldn’t be here. Take a re-frame this week.  Look around and ask:Who are my teachers?Do I trust myself enough to put me on that list?What can I learn from the person I walk by everyday? We all have something to learn.  We all have something to share.  What is it?I give a shout out to all my teachers, too numerous to name, from the blue-haired girl at the coffee shop who has taught me how special it feels to have someone remember your name to the grace (and tantrums) I meet in my son (and myself) as we play in the yard.  So many people expand my life everyday.  Big love and gratitude to all of you.I’d love to hear your answers below: Who are your teachers?