a guru by any other name...

Anecdotal Anatomy

This episode on acknowledging and honoring our teachers was poetically recorded on Guru Purinima (a Hindu, Buddhist celebration of teachers - it honors the day the first guru was born - click link for more information).

This personal episode has the hosts reaching back for memories of primary and secondary teachers, as well as their own identification as teachers. Both agree that their students often show up as teachers. In the world of reflection, everything has the capacity of being a teacher, if we pay attention.

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:00 - The Teacher-Student Dynamics

The hosts discuss the flip-flop of teacher and student roles and how learning can come from unexpected sources, such as animals.

00:03:24 - Lessons from Animals

The hosts talk about the lessons we can learn from animals and how observing them can provide valuable insights.

00:05:02 - The Once and Future King

The hosts discuss the book "The Once and Future King" and how it explores the concept of transformation and learning through different perspectives.

00:07:34 - Critical Thinking and Learning

The hosts share their experiences with education and how critical thinking and curiosity are important for true learning.

00:10:05 - Impact of Teachers

The hosts reflect on the impact of teachers on their learning journey and how teachers can either foster or hinder a student's progress.

00:15:12 - The Importance of Teaching and Absorbing Information

The hosts discuss the importance of teaching in fully absorbing and understanding information. They mention that there is data suggesting that we absorb different amounts of information through hearing, reading, and seeing. They also share their personal experiences of how teaching has helped them gain a clearer focus on yoga philosophy and other aspects of their practice.

00:16:14 - Seeing Classrooms as a Circle of Learning

The hosts talk about their perspective on classrooms and teaching. They view all classrooms as a circle and see themselves as arcs within that circle. They mention how Sean Corn's statement about having the capacity to communicate information in a way that people can best receive it resonated with them. They emphasize the importance of communication, humor, and personal anecdotes in teaching.

00:17:36 - Learning from Students

The hosts share an example of how they learned from a student during a yoga class. The student expressed reluctance to perform a cleansing breath because she felt it would be wasting her prana. This perspective made the hosts reconsider their teaching approach and they adjusted it to encourage mindfulness and directing the breath and energy towards someone who could benefit from it. They highlight the importance of listening to and learning from students.

00:20:27 - Transforming Teaching Approach

One of the hosts reflects on a teaching experience where none of the students did the assigned reading. Initially, they reacted with frustration and employed a punishment-like approach. However, they realized their mistake and transformed the situation into a positive teaching moment by having students teach

00:29:59 - Mr. Woodley's Intuition

The narrator reflects on their experience with Mr. Woodley, a coach who showed understanding and support during their nose job. Mr. Woodley recommended the narrator for Honors English and expressed belief in their potential.

00:31:13 - Mr. G and Existentialism

The narrator shares their experience in Honors English with Mr. G, who taught existentialism. Despite struggling academically, the narrator felt seen and understood by Mr. G, who gave them an A and acknowledged their unique contribution to the class.

00:33:56 - Mrs. Tobin and Creative Expression

The narrator recalls a challenging teacher, Mrs. Tobin, who criticized their creative doodles and discouraged their individuality. The narrator stood up for themselves, but it was clear that Mrs. Tobin was not a good fit as a mentor.

00:34:09 - Mimi, a Teacher and Thinker

The narrator highlights their student-turned-mentor relationship with Mimi, a brilliant thinker and fellow learner. They continue to inspire each other and engage in thought-provoking conversations, exploring different perspectives and embracing intellectual curiosity.

00:37:34 - The Generosity of Teaching

The narrator reflects on the role of a teacher and emphasizes the importance of being a learner oneself. They acknowledge the need for a two-way flow of information and the transformative power of teaching students to complete and finish tasks, beyond just following a curriculum.

00:43:47 - Embracing the Unknown

The hosts discuss how their experiences have taught them how to handle the unknown. They emphasize the importance of taking action and just "doing it" in order to learn and grow.

00:44:41 - Lessons from "To Sir, with Love"

The hosts mention the movie "To Sir, with Love" and discuss how the main character taught his students valuable lessons about healthy eating and self-respect. They highlight the power of teaching and the impact it can have on others.

00:46:32 - The Soft Learning of Massage

The hosts share a personal story about receiving a card from a massage student expressing gratitude and referencing the movie "To Sir, with Love." They discuss the importance of recognizing and owning one's strengths as a teacher.

00:49:04 - Honoring Teachers

The hosts explore different ways to honor teachers, including expressing gratitude and incorporating their teachings into daily life. They emphasize the role of awareness in recognizing and embracing the lessons taught by various teachers.

00:54:39 - The Resonance of Teachings

The hosts reflect on how certain teachings may not resonate immediately but can still have a lasting impact. They discuss the subtlety of resonance and how awareness plays a key role in recognizing and experiencing it.

00:59:09 - Learning to Feel

The speaker shares her experience of learning to feel and how challenging it was to move out of her head and into an embodied sense. She emphasizes the importance of being able to feel and land in the senses, particularly the sense of touch.

00:59:44 - Getting Out of Your Head

The speaker recounts a story about how she was able to get out of her head and into a more creative and receptive state while massaging someone. Despite initially feeling frustrated by the person singing, it ultimately helped her shift her focus and connect with her body.

01:00:35 - Curiosity and Resistance

The speaker reflects on how curiosity drives her to understand things she doesn't like or understand. She also recognizes that resistance is a valuable learning opportunity.

01:01:17 - Event Announcement

The hosts announce an upcoming event called "The Radiant Self: Illuminating the Koshas for Inner Transformation." They provide details about the date, time, and location, and express their excitement for the event. SEE BELOW & CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE AND TO REGISTER!

01:01:46 - Call to Action

The hosts encourage listeners to sign up for their newsletter and attend their upcoming events. They emphasize the importance of self-discovery and invite listeners to engage with them on their Facebook page or via email.

And then some (this is where you get a little bit more)...

If you're local, join us for RADIANT SELF - Illuminating the Koshas for Inner Transformation -- a mini retreat at Flower of Life Yoga in Morrisville, Pa - Saturday, 7.15.23 from 11:30am-3:30pm. Check out this link for more information and to sign up!

Tias Little - Yoga of the Subtle Body (book)

Meaningful Mentors - a love letter to amazing teachers - Sherry Sadoff Hanck on Substack

Once & Future King - T.H. White

CORRECTION: During her story about reading King Arthur fiction, Sherry referred to the “Cromwell” books when she meant, Bernard CORNWELL.

Our Amazing Team:

Judith George - Editor (video & audio)

Keith Kenny - Music

Cindy Fatsis - Photography