If you’re a yoga teacher, you might remember the first few classes you taught. If you’re like a lot of teachers I’ve talked to, you might recall sounding a lot like your mentor; that person who trained you in your first teacher training program. This is pretty common and they do say “imitation is the highest form of flattery,” right?
Over time, if you’ve been teaching for a few months or more, you most likely had the challenge of figuring out how to show yourself without making the class about YOU. No one wants to go to class and hear a teacher drone on about their personal problems however there are universal themes that outline challenges we face as humans that we can most definitely share when we teach.
Doing this requires that we develop the courage and faith to find our authentic way of teaching. It’s about much more than just sharing themes of growth; it’s also about sharing from the heart, being confident in what you’re sharing and standing in front of the class and allowing yourself to be seen. Right now, all of this is somewhat different because so many of us are teaching online. However, we still have an opportunity to share our personalities, to look for chances to build connection with our students and to share in an authentic way.
I had a teacher recently express to me how crowded the yoga industry is and I’m not sure how much truth is in that. I’m sure there are lots of yoga teachers in the world but there’s only one of you. The more you can find a way to let yourself shine through what you teach, observing that delicate balance between making it about you and rather, sharing universal themes, the more you’ll develop a connection with your students that they won’t be able to get any place else. And, more than that, you’ll go to bed at night knowing you’re teaching in a way that only YOU can, you’re not imitating anyone else and you’re making connections with your students based on integrity and authenticity.
I invite you join me for ongoing virtual yoga classes starting next week. You can visit the new Virtual Classes page on my website here to see the schedule.
Any comments or thoughts on this post? Feel free to leave it below.
Namaste.