How is it that I end up hear again. I think what originally brought me to this forum was the fact the my teacher who I admired was no longer of help in my practice. Some might remember she kept canceling classes at the last minute with no rhyme or reason. I finally found a new studio (a much larger one) and after trying many classes found a teacher who practiced Anusara Yoga and eventually started attending her classes on a regular basis. I came to learn so much from her teaching and that led me to practice on a daily basis (even when I was not in her classes).
She has recently left the studio (to open her own studio too far from my home to travel) and here I am again. Lost in my practice in that I have no teacher who inspires my practice and teaches much more than just the physical asanas. I still will practice every day at home and attend a class or two a week so as to have a qualified teacher help in the physical posture, but I feel the light fading in my practice that was once there. Can I learn more about my journey in yoga by simply reading books, where in the past my teacher taught so much about the spiritual aspects of yoga.
Any thoughts, comments or suggestions on my journey?
Others cannot really comment on your journey. In fact most people don’t have a solid grip on their own journey. Even those with that grip could only feedback based on their hold which may be very dissimilar to your own.
You are asking about a teacher and so I’ll presume you use that word for a reason. And I’ll therefore not answer the question of one’s relationship with one’s guru.
Teachers should guide students toward their capital S self. It sounds as though you’ve had that on perhaps two occasions. Many are not as fortunate. However the student should not come to rely on the teacher for manifesting light, they should rely instead on the tools (vis a vis: yoga).
Pragmatically you have choice. You can study with a teacher who is both nearby and skilled, or you can practice with one who is nearby and not so skilled thus having to really look for your gems in the teaching. Or you may move and live elsewhere because your practice is important and you are attached to the teacher.
I have no leanings whatsoever in these three scenarios. However I would not presume one could use books for the learning. They may help, depending on the nature and development of the student. More likely is an experiential learning that encompasses exploration, discovery, and surrender.
A better Me
if someone where to practice yoga on their own, my belief is that the best laid out system i have read is by yogani, realistic, easy to follow, not the most time consuming, and many practices that seem to be very powerful. The blueprint and philosophy seems to be, some of this, some of this, and some of this, equals a lot more then a lot of just this. with that system you could start with the deep meditation. I would recommend his eight limbs of yoga to anyone on the yoga path. in my opinion the best books on yoga. I wish you well on your path
we are one, in the same
with love
brother neil
You migth as well practise at home and see a teacher from Time to Time in Weekend or other workshops, if there is no teacher around that fits your needs for weekly classes.
All the best
Lars
I’ll check an assumption here – it might turn out to be advice.
You say ‘just the physical asanas’, and I hope that you will see more subtle aspects to asana practice. Nonharming, honesty, nongrasping . . . these meet you on the mat.
And keep your eyes open. “when the student is ready, the master will appear.”
I wish I could videotape my lessons, hey thats an idea, maybe live online classes or something would work.??
I reside where there are no local studios or teachers from me to see on a regular basis. I began my Ashtanga and Yogic Arts practice by viewing a few excellent DVDs. However, I do travel across the water (I commute by ferry) every few months to work with a Certified Teacher and attend a retreat whenever possible.
I eventually transformed my dinning room into my own personal yoga studio. As much as I would like to study with a great teachers on a more frequent basis, I do appreciate the solitude of my home practice. 
I record my teacher’s class once a week with a simple digital camera. I just leave camera to do its work and I attend the class - I’m interested to tape a sound only. At home I load film on the computer and than I make my personal notes.
That of course does not replace my teacher, it is just my way to try to learn as much as possible from him.
I wish you will find your teacher again A better me! Books IMO are those that give information, or those that are also an inspiration. It’s again to be selective.
theres so many routes that you can go without a teacher.
the path is totally up to you and you may find that this is a sign to take
it in another direction…
the worst thing that could come out of this is to become stagnant in your practice.
harvest what you have learned and practice without an instructor you may find
that you like it better. : )
Thank you all for the time you have taken to respond. I will continue with my daily practice, because it is here that I am learning the most about patience and kindness to myself. Dropping into the studio a couple times a week will still be something I do, because I find there is much to learn in the physical practice of yoga. Perhaps someday…with light in my heart…a new teacher/guru will walk into my life…perhaps someday.
Until then,
Peace and Joy to you all.
Callie
I think it definitely helps if you have a teacher even if it is not one to one. I have practiced for several years from books, for after I started learning from a teacher things changed for the better.
nilendub, I agree nothing is better than finding a teacher to practice with daily. I do practice at a studio twice per week, and take what I learn there to my mat at home, for my daily practice.