Teaching & Learning: A More Perfect Union

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Back to school time sets us all up to think about new schedules, teachings and lessons for a new year. With that, I’ve been thinking about how WE are all teachers—everyone. And having experienced much change and lessons as of late, how we show up is especially important as of late.

By simply existing, we not only teach ourselves, but our actions constantly teach others. We mirror for one another and demonstrate much. We all teach who we are then learn, and in return, other people naturally teach for us as well. Whether in conversation, a classroom or, during our demonstrative reaction in the grocery line when the register fails, there are raw moments for all human beings that expose our  flaws, issues, triggers and strongly felt concerns. We can accept or deny, work through or avoid, but each choice we make has relevance to all of our lessons—taught and learned. No matter what, the teaching of good lessons or bad, done poorly or well, have affect. For better or worse, SOMETHING is always passed on. So, what is it that you want to learn this year, and what exactly are you teaching the neighbor who may seem most like, or unlike you?

We’re ALL connected and imperfect, but mindful practice as well as learning by example is called for—particularly those of self-care can be profound lessons of teaching, caring and pause.

There IS a basic wisdom that we each bring to the table that is equal, mutual and therefore demanding of respect and union—even if it is Yin and Yang.  And while Yoga literally means ‘union’, the concepts of both yoga and Pilates teach us to value and work towards balance. No matter what the degree, the fact that we move with, and around others means that we’re constantly in this dance of navigating communal understanding, unity and community. With the benefit of mindful practices, together we sway to the rhythm that is teaching and learning, ideally exercising those lessons off our mats to contribute to a balanced and more perfect union.