Seed thoughts for Teachers   It's a great time in Australia to show yoga as a spiritual practice with a physical foundation, which embraces all and excludes none. As Yoga Teachers we have the opportunity to create positive fields of support and growth around the people who come to us as students.We are moving closer to the "Gym" scene as we liaise with the Fitness Industry. This generates opportunities for people to ask and to see what makes yoga "different" to other forms of activity.  Consider  the quality and focus of your teaching meeting the soul needs of your students. Also consider drawing on the "collegiate" support  that fellow teachers offer.  In our national organisation, our Y.T.A.A.,we have a rare and powerful opportunity to demonstrate the uniqueness of yoga by the way we "run" our organisation and by the way we share with and support our Exec. and each other as members and fellow teachers.

Focus the highest intent in your teaching and use these seed thoughts meditatively as you prepare for your classes.

JUNE   The Winter Solstice brings us to a point of reflection. At the time of darkness choose to light a candle and hold your students in the Light. It is the highest vibration visible to humans. Down through the Ages it has symbolised the Spirit. You may like to use the mantra --- I am in the Light, I am of the Light, I am the Light.

JULY   We live in times of rapid change. Help your students to focus on the breath when practising their asanas so they may learn to become  "the independent observer". Encourage time to notice and reflect in order to clear the mind. Developing clarity, digesting experience and making wise choices  are wonderful incentives. Then we can be, as the Buddha has said, "lamps unto  our own feet." Draw inspiration from the 21st century expression of the ancient Truth as Swami  Shankarananda states in "Happy for No Good Reason" -- "Take time to be with the situation and allow understanding to manifest".

AUGUST   As the weather brings rain and cold, we sense the need for nurturing. It's a good time to pause and meditate. Plan to evaluate your teaching asking  such questions as -- "How can I improve?"  " What am I giving my students?"   "What life experience do I have that I can share with them?"  "What yogic wisdoms have helped me enjoy life?" Remind yourself  that Karma is simply the Law of Cause and Effect i.e. Action and Consequence. Every thing has its" purpose -- "All that I have ever been or done has brought me to this present point of opportunity".

SEPTEMBER    Recalling The Tibetan"s words that "Service is a soul instinct" we practise leaving ourselves at the door when we go into teach, intending to connect with everyone as souls evolving. It is not that we are perfect, but rather that we are conscious. Be inspired (and a little challenged) by these words : Let love be the keynote in all relationships, for the power which must salvage the worldis the precipitation of love'" (Discipleship in the New Age)

OCTOBER   Remember "Energy follows thought". People may come to your class carrying the toxic load from a difficult day at work. Be ready to surround them with love and to draw them into your field of unified thought and acceptance. Keep the intention clear and simple ;-- You want everyone to experience YOGA !  That is you want everyone to experience the union of body and soul -- matter and Spirit.  For inspiration revisit the classic texts like the Sutra and for 21st century scientific  validation read books like The Intention Experiment (Lynne McTaggert) Intention is powerful. Enjoy living yoga!

   ***  I suggest you carry a copy of the Month"s seed thoughts in your purse or pocket. Together we can make changes in the world as we teach to the best of our present ability.