Exposure & Full Disclosure from a Poser.

I am imperfect—therefore, I am human.

I am a human—therefore, I fail.
I am a yogi—therefore, I am engaged in my own existence.
I am a seeker—therefore, I lead.
I am a teacher—therefore, I must be a student.
I am privileged to create sacred space for transformation and change—therefore, I am bound to hold that covenant as divine.

I am not divine—yoga is.
I am not the answer—yoga is.
I am not looking for disciples—I’m looking for discipline
I am more comfortable on a zafu or the floor than a pedestal—thanks, Yoga Betty!

I teach Asana practice—if I am very lucky and the student presents, yoga may happen.
I am in love with what I do and I will speak out against those who through their own ignorance diminish or threaten the sanctity of the experience.

I am just like you, perhaps even worse. I cuss like a sailor, I laugh at tasteless things, I use Real Housewives like a drug sometimes, I drive way too fast and aggressively and you may not “approve” of my shopping cart at WFM (Whole Foods Market)—those are your issues.

I am not in that space to be liked—I am in that space to confront, to guide, support and ultimately, to let you be you with you.

I am not in that space to be adored—I appreciate your love and support, but need to check that when it becomes “necessary.”

I am not in that space to say “my students,” “my yoga”—I have a darshana (a perspective); I’m not sure it is truth, but it is truth to me and that is what I offer, freely

I am not there to convince anyone of anything. I offer the teachings and let them represent themselves.

I am not there to be impressive, but rather to impress information.

I am not in that space to get laid—I’m a man who likes bringing masculine asexual energy into that space.

I am not here to make you love the teacher, for I will fail or die or move—so cling not to me!

I am here to make you love the teachings, for they do not die or fail or move—cling to them.

I can, so I must; “to those whom much is given, much is required in return” or as my teacher told me, “no original sin, but clearly original debt—so don’t repent, repay!”

I love people and want them to be the best expression of themselves. That is why I serve.

I am blessed, humbled, ennobled and responsible for what occurs in that space of personal inspection and introspection.

I am continually awed by the power of the Self emerging from the self that I can witness.

I am you, stop making me other—you are me, let us be together.

“You and Me and She and He, branches of the Brother tree; She and He and We and Me, branches of the Sister tree…” ~ The Song Banner, by Barely Lace.

Give thanks and praise! But not to me, I don’t want or need them!

~

Editor: Brianna Bemel

Incorrect source, offensive, or found a typo? Or do you want to write for Elephant?

923 views

Elephant Journal's Daily Wake-Up Call

Get elephant's Daily Wake Up Call: a gap for inspiration & meaning in the inbox of your mind