Teacher Worship, Self-Reliance

I have always thought that teacher-worship was strange. It never made sense to me how anyone could credit a single instructor with their knowledge and growth. Maybe it is a symptom of our culture where we change teachers frequently, but I think of it more in terms of inspiration - a teacher can inspire us but ultimately we have to do the work. We have to study, practice and improve.

A couple days ago I revisited Tony's "Level 4" video. It has been awhile since I practiced with one of his videos. I have been doing my own thing for many months, following my body, curiosity and intuition as I practice asana and pranayama.

Upon practicing with Tony's video, I noticed that all of these important elements in my practice - my curiosity, intuition and courage - all began with Tony. He taught me that it is okay, even necessary, to develop an individual relationship with the yoga practice. 

This leads me to a strange realization: that while my practice is completely my own and I am fully responsible for it, I owe it all to Tony and his teaching. Without his guidance toward individuality and self-reliance I might still be doing Bikram's class 6 days a week or looking to vinyasa classes or other traditions to cure my boredom or inspire my growth. Or I might have quit and moved on to CrossFit.

Tony taught me that there is great depth in a yoga practice, as deep as we are willing to explore. But we must be willing to explore. We must take responsibility for our own growth and progress.