When I first became a yoga teacher I was terrified! Let’s start with the fact that public speaking made me feel like I was going to blackout from lack of oxygen. And yet, here I was, seated at the front of a studio with eager students waiting for me to guide them. I wanted their experience to be transformational. I wanted to say the exact right thing so that they would leave their mats inspired and ready to take on the world. I wanted everything to be perfect. The funny thing is that I’m very much human and perfection is not part of my repertoire, nor do I want it to be.
Maine Yoga Fest 2019 - Guiding Strength in Surrender with DJ Taz Rashid
Recently I asked the WanderFreely Community group what was something they wish they had known when they first started teaching and many shared similar answers…
Stay dedicated to your own practice (teaching is not practicing)
It’s ok to make mistakes.
Be yourself, Be yourself, Be your amazing, silly, brilliant, curious Self!!!!!
You have something to offer that no one else does because you’re the only you out there! Sure, you’ll make mistakes, however, when you’re coming from a place of honesty and authenticity students can feel it.
Here are a few more tips that I would like to share for both new teachers and as a reminder to myself and others who are sharing what they love.
It’s not about you. I used to try to design elaborate classes that showed my “knowledge” of the postures and that were heavy in arm balances as that was my strength (pre-injury). However, what’s the point of guiding a class if half the students are left feeling lost or defeated?
You’re human and you will mess up. I promise: You’re going to mix up your lefts and rights, probably forget one side of a sequencing, swear, put on a pop song in Savasana, and call someone by the wrong name. It happens and that’s totally fine. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about what you are offering your students. If you’re genuinely offering something you love and honor, like the practice of yoga, your students will feel it. If someone doesn’t come back to your class because you messed up, they’re not your student.
You’re not everyone’s teacher: Just like someone may not be your student, you’re not everyone’s teacher. Thank goodness! The students who are drawn to you will have a connection because they want what you are offering. Some students will come back time and time again and others will stay for a bit and move on. We all have something different to offer and that is what makes this practice so beautiful. Figure out what is important to you and teach that from a place of passion.
Stay Curious: If you ever find yourself bored or uninspired teaching, I’ve been there, learn something new. I find that when I get bored it is usually because I haven’t been experimenting on my own mat enough or educating myself. The monotony shows up when I am teaching from habit and not teaching from my heart.
Have a REAL mentor and/or Coach: My first year of teaching, I felt completely lost in the shuffle. I found myself disillusioned with the entire yoga world and questioning my decision to be a teacher. Find someone who inspires you and who you can talk to (like your Kula group). Someone who has experience in the field and in what you want to be doing. Mentors and coaches can help you navigate the waters as you’re figuring it all out. Don’t be afraid to set up a time to talk and to ask questions.
Keep reading, studying, and experimenting!!!!!! This is truly a life-long practice and as you grow, shift, and learn your practice and teaching will as well.
Thank you for living your passion. For putting yourself out there, showing up, being vulnerable, and taking risks. Sharing your gifts is not an easy path and to all of you who continue to do so with an authentic and open heart, Namaste.
Love, Nicole xo
