10 Lessons From 10 Years of Teaching Yoga
As I find myself a whole decade into teaching yoga, I thought it was high-time I shared the knowledge that I have picked up along the way. Here are ten lessons I have learned from being a yoga teacher that will be helpful to you on your yoga teaching journey, too!
We all move differently. What feels good for you, may feel awful for someone else.
Most students need a simple, grounding Yoga practice. One that is repeated often enough that they can get to grips with it.
You don’t need to be coming up with fresh new practices all the time. A solid curriculum of classes will allow you to build your teaching confidence and save you lots of time.
Paying reverence to thousands of years of teaching that came before you qualified takes much more than throwing out the odd “Namaste” in your classes.
Learning Sanskrit, studying philosophy, meditating, practicing Pranayama and having a Sadhana will not only improve your teaching, it will improve your life.
It is not your place to mould your clients in to your ideal. Maybe they’re not vegan, maybe they’re not sober. That’s their business. While they’re in your yoga class, teach them without judgement.
Learn how to use props. Make them a part of your practice. Then use them as a part of your yoga class. Empower people to use blocks, blankets, bolsters, even the wall. Stop treating props like something that people use why they ‘can’t’ achieve something.
Actually study yoga. Anyone can get a teaching certificate but not everyone has truly studied yoga. There is always more to learn, don’t stop.
Stop trying to be authentic. You do not need a yoga voice, you do not need to be able to do Hanumanasana. There isn’t a certain way to look. You showing up, as you, is exactly what the world needs.
Rethink your music. While many of your students will tune the music out, some will really struggle with music that has lyrics or changing tempos that distract the attention.