Before one of my yoga classes, one of my lovely student asked how I was doing. I replied honestly, "I am tired today." With a sight of relief, she said: "Ah, that feels good to know that it happens to you too!"
Before one of my yoga classes, one of my lovely student asked me how I was doing. I replied honestly, "I am tired today." With a sight of relief she said: "Ah, that feels good to know that it happens to you too!"
This interaction got me pondering over the various misconceptions people might harbor about being a yoga teacher:
Above being human: There's this myth that yoga teachers exist on a higher plane, immune to fatigue, anger, frustration, or hurt. Sure, we're devoted to a unifying practice that aids our healing journey, but that journey is ongoing, without a clear endpoint. Suffering is part and parcel of our human experience. Yes, we have tools and awareness to cope, but some days, fatigue kicks in, grumpiness surfaces, and comments can hurt. Many of us were drawn to yoga to heal our own pain, and being the sensitive beings that we are, we feel it all – the minor nicks and the major wounds. Above all, we're human. #HumanExperience 🌟
Woowoo hippies: While being labeled a "woowoo hippie" would be a compliment to me. I would love to be a free spirit, flowery-dress-wearing woman living with the flow. The reality is that not all yoga teachers live in idyllic huts, surrounded by nature, meditating all day. Most of us juggle other jobs and family responsibilities alongside our passion for yoga. #RealLifeBalance 🌳
Expected to know and be able to do all poses: I can't do a cartwheel. And one day, someone incredulously remarked, "What, you can't do a cartwheel, and you're a yoga teacher?" The truth is, not every teacher is destined to master every pose. It is not everyone's dharma or path. For me, teaching yoga is about creating space in the body and mind, fostering well-being for my students. While some teachers focus on achieving specific poses, I emphasise the flow and feeling. Sure, some classes might work toward an "advanced" pose, but always with options and variations accessible to everyone. #NoCartwheelMaster 🤸♀️
Be here to serve for free: There's this misconception that yoga teachers should be altruistic saints, running classes, workshops, and retreats for free or at a nominal cost. Being of service doesn't equate to working for free. We're all here to serve, whether you're a cashier, a builder, an artist, or a yoga teacher. Money is an energy exchange, reflecting the perceived value of the service. If you don't see the value, that's okay, but we can't sustain ourselves without fair compensation. I firmly believe every penny invested in a yoga class, coaching session or a yearly retreat is a small price to pay for maintaining your mental and physical health. What is the price of not doing it? #FairExchange 💰
Let's open the floor to healthy discussions on this! 💬
With love and gratitude always. ❤️🙏