I have a feeling that all I’ve learned is not enough - there is more that I would like to bring into my field of knowledge as Yoga Therapist and Yoga Teacher.

But, what is the next step in journey working with clients who desire to be healthier, to have a greater sense of wellness, to age gracefully?

Perhaps I’m waiting for a sign.

In the field of Yoga Therapy (and due of my Certification as a Yoga Therapist), one (of many) word(s) stands out: Scope. For example, to remain within my scope of practice, I do not offer people advice about their nutrition, I do not diagnose the cause of a pain, I am not a stand-in for someone’s psychologist (or psychiatrist), etc. I could go on, but I hope you get the point.

Now, I can work with clients like this instead:

1. I’m able to share that I’ve lost weight by putting my fork down between each bite (sharing my experience, but not advising).

2. I can observe a person and determine the state of their nervous system (are they in ‘fight, flight or freeze” - sympathetic; or are they in ‘rest and digest’ - parasympathetic). Once that happens, I am able to offer tools to balance their emotions, such as breath work, slow (or fast) movement, meditation, etc.

3. I maintain the boundaries that keep me and my client’s ‘safe’ from my offering psychiatric advice. I am a good listener and I’ve been told I keep my judgments and advice to myself.

As in all of our lives and yoga practice, I find staying within my ‘scope’ as a Yoga Therapist is finding balance. And, often when they (the client) finds a similar balance the quality of their life, their wellness (wellbeing), their aging process — all of that makes a positive shift.

But, I still would like to do more. So I am debating — do I pursue

1. more nutrition education,

2. more Ayurveda training,

3. more meditation avenues?

Notice, there’s nothing in there about learning more about psychiatry - I’m good with that.

I do know this about myself - I will always be a lifelong learner. And, that’s a good thing.

Until next time,