Yoga and The Liberatory Essence of Education
Written by Andrea Marenco (Prema) in dedication to Janel Schullo, who truly embodied a guide on the side for me during my formative years as a facilitator.
Education, in its profound essence, is a transformative journey that goes beyond the mere transmission of knowledge; it shapes the mind, character, and physical abilities of an individual. In the realm of yoga teacher training, the choice of a pedagogical model becomes paramount, determining the roles of the teacher, the student, and the content. For those seeking a liberatory and holistic approach, where the guide is on the side rather than a sage on the stage, the roots of education ask us to explore the etymology of the word itself—derived from the Latin "educare," meaning "to bring up" or "to bring forth what is within."
Traditionally, education has been compared to a banking model, where knowledge is deposited into passive students. This authoritarian approach can stifle creativity and self-expression. In contrast, a liberatory model encourages active participation, critical thinking, and self-discovery. Yoga teacher training, rooted in liberation, goes beyond the rote memorization of poses, inviting students to explore their inner selves and develop a deep connection with the practice.
In a liberatory yoga teacher training setting, the relationship between the teacher, student, and content takes on a collaborative and nurturing nature. The teacher serves as a facilitator, guiding students on their unique journey rather than imposing a rigid curriculum. Students, in turn, actively engage with the material, asking questions, expressing thoughts, and cultivating a deeper understanding of the practice.
The very roots of the word "education" guide us toward a liberatory approach. "Educare" encourages us to bring up the inherent wisdom within each individual, while "educere" and "ducere" prompt us to bring forth and lead. In the context of yoga teacher training, this means fostering an environment where the latent potential of each student is acknowledged, nurtured, and led to fruition.
For those seeking a yoga teacher training experience that transcends the traditional “sage-on-the-stage model”, a liberatory approach promises a transformative journey. Embracing the etymological essence of education, where the guide is on the side, fosters an environment of self-discovery, collaboration, and holistic growth. As aspiring yoga teachers embark on this liberatory path, they not only transmit knowledge but become catalysts for the emergence of each student's unique and authentic self.
Yoga, as a spiritual and physical practice, encompasses this quest for liberation. It is a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and holistic self-understanding. Embracing a scaffolding approach to yoga teacher training involves fostering an environment where the teacher trainer becomes a guide on the side, facilitating the exploration and unfolding of each teacher-in-trainings’s potential.
A successful ending to a training, is when the lead trainers take the seat on the student, and watch the new teachers lead the way.
