| Yogic philosophy suggests that cultivating an inner awareness through the practice of yoga offers opportunities to develop an ecological awareness. Four eco-yoga teachers participated in this hermeneutic phenomenological study, to bring forth the primary principles of being an eco-yoga teacher. Who are these yoga teachers? What has nourished their passion? How do they foster ecological awareness? Written reflections, in-depth interviews and observations were collected for thematic analysis. Common historical themes were: childhood connections, universal consciousness, yoga/ecology connections, and wildness. Collective thoughts on teaching were: eternal learning, the call to teach, being a witness, and attunement. Individual themes found were: advocacy, storytelling, non-dualism and beauty. Their stories are valuable to consider for the cultivation of ecologically conscious citizens and educators. The perspective of teaching through yoga can supplement current forms of pedagogy. Yoga, as a transformative educational process, can assist in integrating the connection between yoga, education, and ecology. |
