Some of you may know me from older posts, but I am here again to ask for guidance. I have struggled with keeping a regular asana teacher in my life. Whether it be due to re-location of the teacher or myself or a multitude of other reasons, I find myself again without a principle teacher. And although I have a daily practice, I just feel that it is not enough without the guidance of a teacher. Does this make sense? I keep searching for something or someone to help validate my practice when I know I should be content with what I am able to cultivate on my mat at home. Does anyone have insight into this? Is it common to feel this way?
Thanks.
Trust that your guidance comes from within yourself. There are reasons you find yourself without a teacher from time to time - during these times you can cultivate your practice in relation to yourself. This is the time to actually PRACTICE what you have learned from your teachers. There comes a time when the child must let go of the supports and learn to walk on their own. Trust that you have learned much, practice that, and when it is time for the next step, and the next teacher, the teacher will come. 
Guidance of a teacher can be very important. Guidance of the proper teacher, critical. Merely having a teacher to have one, without regard for the integrity of that person’s living (and thus their Yoga), well that might not be so helpful.
There are many, many yoga teachers here in Seattle. And after taking class with about 50 of them over five years I found one, that’s right ONE, to direct me on the path of yoga.
If we are talking more about the little y of asana then my concern would be that the student without a guide (or teacher) could be missing critical safety actions in posture. Of course once again the caveat - you could HAVE a teacher and be doing this as well. It is not that “a teacher” is needed. It is that a clean teacher living their yoga who helps you move closer toward the capital S self" is needed.
What you cultivate on the mat at home has to be taken off the mat and wielded in daily living. Otherwise we become gymnasts, not yogis. But yes that practice at home, in conjunction with the comprehension, awareness, and living of Yama and Niyama, the use of pranayama, meditation, and the circumnavigation of Kleshas, yes that should be enough at home. And it is!
Until I found the right teacher, I found the guidance in the books I read very helpful. That is one way to prepare yourself to know the right teacher when you see them.
Meggie
Thank you all for your insight and wisdom.
The fact that you are practicing makes it valid, and great!
If your question is whether your self-directed practice is effective and safe, I think you know the answer to this better than we can tell you. Are you listening to your body? Are you integrating a multifaceted approach- using what you know about yoga to examine your ethics, choices, and mental patterns? Are you challenging yourself? Do you feel that your practice is both physically and emotionally safe?
Then, you’re just fine.
I understand your feelings for wanting a teacher to help guide you through your practice. With a teacher present, there is a sense of support and connectedness. I am a teacher and I truly enjoy sharing that sacred yoga space with my students. They tell me how having the gentle encouragement really brings them closer to their practice and gives them more motivation.
When I started my own yoga practice as a teenager, I developed it on my own, through videos and books. Then, when I felt confident, I began taking classes and found the simple corrections and adjustments of the teachers invaluable. I eventually received my own certification to teach, but still focused primarily on my own practice. In more recent years, the gift of teaching has been an important part of my life and it allows me to share the wisdom of my experience with others, as well.
Your wanting a teacher to practice with is valid. There are subtle ways the proper teacher can help guide you. I find that in my own practice, I tend to favor certain poses, when perhaps I should be challenging myself with other ones. I still enjoy taking classes with other teachers, at times, to continue learning and growing. I like some teaching styles better than others, but I always appreciate the learning process.
Yoga, of course, is more than just about the asanas, but it is imperative to first begin with cleansing the body and clearing the mind. Being distracted in your practice by the idea of not having a teacher only serves to hold you back. It is true, the real teacher is within. The external is only a guide, but at this point, if you feel you still need a teacher, then listen to that inner guide. No matter what, though, trust in YOU.
Your own practice is always valid. It is your unique, beautiful personal journey and your Yoga with Source. : )
~Namaste~