Get to know our Certified ParaYoga teachers. You're welcome to meet each teacher on their individual bio pages in the Teacher Directory. In this Featured Teacher section, learn more about who these very special and unique yoga instructors are through five questions based on Yogarupa's Six Gems of ParaYoga.
Meet a new Certified ParaYoga teacher every month. Previously featured teachers are archived in the column to the right.
Meet a new Certified ParaYoga teacher every month. Previously featured teachers are archived in the column to the right.
It's May, 2012 and our featured teacher is Jim Bennitt.
1. What inspires you to teach yoga? (sva dharma)
Seeing the lack of peace on this earth is what inspires me to teach yoga. Teaching yoga is my way of sharing myself and what I do best with the world. My hope is that every time I teach, the students in class leave with more clarity and joy and then spread that sense of peace to everyone they encounter throughout their day.
2. How has the practice of ParaYoga transformed your life? (tantra)
ParaYoga is a complete yoga practice that transforms every aspect of your life. It has taught me how to build and direct energy in a SKILLFUL way. By staying true to the ParaYoga teachings in my practice, I have more energy to draw from and the clarity of mind to know where to direct it. It continues to give me the strength to let go of the things that are holding me back from reaching my highest potential.
3. In what way have you seen the principles of ParaYoga help to transform the life of your students? (parampara)
Sharing the tantric teachings of ParaYoga has first and foremost helped my students realize there is an inner light within us all. The approach we use draws from not only philosophy, but also time tested practices that make this easier to see, feel and experience. When students are able to identify with this inner light, they react to what the universe gives us with more grace and elegance.
4. What type of practice and/or study is informing your teaching
the most right now? (brahmavidya)
The practice of vichara or deep self inquiry after meditation is helping me to discriminate between mental patterns that are directing my life in a desirable or undesirable way. When viewed with dispassion, I'm able to let go of that which I do not need and create the destiny that I am meant to fulfill.
5. What obstacles have you had to overcome and how has this made
you better and brighter as a teacher and in your life? (agni/sri)
The main obstacle I have had to overcome is the fear of speaking to an audience. My whole life I was one of those people that feared public speaking more than death! My true inspiration is Rod Stryker. Not only has he passed on a huge amount of wisdom, but he has also (quite literally) showed me how to pass it on to my students in a very precise way. Every time I teach at home in Chicago or on the road across the U.S. I feel his presence inside me coming out as I teach. Without his guidance, I would not be the teacher or person I am today.
Read more about Jim.