This past month I have begun my training to be a yoga teacher. It is an eight month process and it is both harder and better than I had imagined. As the program is run by an Ashram here in Portland, the question has arisen about the role of a guru. Some feel the role of a guru is imposing, others feel he is a guide. I am not sure what I feel.
What I do know is this. There are others whose spiritual practices I respect and admire. I wish my own practice were “better.” I have trusted others too much in the past with my practice and have been hurt. I have also grown because of it. I have discovered that striving for spiritual enlightenment is not the way for me. I am on a journey of self discovery and feel the need to explore myself without the insight of others as a primary method for doing so.
There are moments everyday that I learn. Everyone is teacher. But I am no longer striving for some far away goal. My goal is everyday..moment to moment.. Be here, appreciate, be kind, connect, create some beauty along the way…If I can live that with myself and others I have attained all I want.