Bikram Teacher Training: Avoid The Following...

Now, as I mentioned earlier, expect anything to happen at Bikram Yoga Teacher Training.  Because, really, anything (good or bad) is possible.

But as promised in that post, here is my list (based on my observations at training) that you can piss off Boss at teacher training.

So, try to avoid doing the following...

1. Talking back.  Birkam is going to test you. He will say some things that will completely go against what you believe to be right and true. Just listen to what is being said. Politely ask questions, if the opportunity arises.  But whatever you do, DO NOT TALK BACK TO HIM.
2. Making eye contact during yoga class. First, you should be looking at your own body.  Trying your best to see your own reflection in the mirror.  And listening to what is being said. If you make eye contact with him, he will see you. And he will make you do the posture over again, all by yourself. Or he will yell at you.  But in a loving and funny way, which you will only realize after the class.
3. Not doing the posture when he yells at you to do it. So, referring back to number two above...  If Bikram yells at you to do the posture a second time, just do it. No talking back (refer to point one.) But, it's a big room. And sometimes its hard to tell if he is yelling at you or at someone else in your general direction.  Basic rule of thumb, if you think he is yelling at you (but aren't entirely sure), just do the posture.  This may mean that there are five of you in a general area of the room doing the posture a second time.  Just do it.
4. Not taking things seriously. This comes out, usually, during Half Moon posture clinic.  Bikram can see everything he needs to know about you (so he says) by watching you deliver Half Moon.  And if you come across as not taking things seriously ("MISS VANCOUVER!!!"), he will let you have it.  All in all, it's his way of helping you grow.  It's important to remember that in all growth, you have to be willing to experience some level of uncomfortable feelings.  If it's too easy, you're not growing.  You're just coasting.
5. Complaining. Oh sweet Hrithik Roshan! Please... Avoid complaining.  He doesn't tolerate it. Just deal with whatever the issues are. Try to problem solve things yourself.

That's all I can think of.  If any other teachers know of anything that trainees should avoid doing, leave them in the comments.

And with that, I leave you with one of my favorite Bikram quotes from training:

"I called you an 'idiot.' But that's a compliment. You know why? Because I used to call you 'dumb fuck.'"