We here at the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga have adopted an organizational model that often begs the question: What does it mean to be a “teacher-led” school?

One of the important lessons I took away from many years as a community organizer and activist is this: There is no singular profile of a leader. Leaders can be quiet or loud, shy or assertive, out front or working behind the scenes, involved in a project for a short time or a long time, good at public speaking or petrified to talk in front of a group.

If you don’t think of yourself as a leader, I invite you to shift the way you look at leadership and your own skills. I truly believe that everyone is a leader in something! Moreover, I consider teachers of any kind to be leaders! Taking and holding the seat of the teacher requires leadership.

Anusara teachers have said to me, “I want to be more involved in the School, but I’m not a leader.” I’m here to say: There’s a place for you! Getting involved in the School is a wonderful opportunity to share your skills and your ideas and develop your leadership abilities as a teacher, a student, a Country Coordinator, film editor, etc.

Here are some of the other many beautiful ways your leadership and participation could be expressed in the School:

• Translating manuals and other curricula
• Serving on a committee
• Helping to plan and/or produce an event 
• Working on a short-term project
• Being a teacher trainer
• Serving on the Board of Directors

In a healthy organization and School, leadership shifts and changes over time, depending on what the organization needs, people’s availability (time, energy, etc.), and the nature of projects. People in leadership roles naturally come and go–spanda at work!

In conclusion, I believe that being a teacher-led school means:

• There is room for everyone to shine!
• We share a collective responsibility for ensuring that the Anusara method and the School continue to thrive. 
• We are a community of practice–we learn and grow by working together to fulfill our shared vision of a more whole and peaceful world.

If you’re interested in getting more involved in the School in small, incremental, medium or expansive ways, email Aline Franco Flores at information@anusarayoga.com. She’ll direct your email to the right person. But no pressure. You’re doing enough just as you are. And if you ever want to become more involved, there’s a spot waiting for you.  

With gratitude,

Kim Friedman

Director of Operations

Certified Anusara teacher

Anusara School of Hatha Yoga