Essential Advice for Aspiring Yoga Teachers
Like so many of you reading this, I had no idea where it would take me after receiving my Yoga Teacher diploma. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to teach and couldn't stay much longer in the US, where I knew people and had my yoga community, so wherever I go, I will need to start from scratch. After seeing that a chain of yoga studios was hiring, I contemplated going to Asia. Mexico was also on the list. The world was my oyster, and I remember feeling equally terrified and excited about that. Then destiny intervened, and I went back to Europe. The rest is history, which spans two decades and with which I won't bore you.
This was just to say that most of us start from the same position and that embarking on the journey of becoming a Yoga Teacher is both exciting and challenging. It's a path filled with self-discovery, growth, and the opportunity to impact others' lives positively. But it's also filled with self-doubt, and, like any pursuit, it requires dedication and perseverance. For new yoga teachers stepping onto this path, I hope this advice will serve you and help you.
Start teaching
I started teaching yoga to friends and family before I got certified. I was a dedicated practitioner for seven years before I began my YTT, and I felt I had something to give. I was inspired by David Swenson, one of my teachers, who, when asked, "When should I start teaching," answered, "Whenever you have something to give". So my first advice is to start teaching as soon as you feel you have something to give. I am not suggesting that you should start teaching before you are certified, but you should use the inspiration and knowledge still fresh in your body/mind to do so right after you receive your diploma. You may not be able to get a class at your local studio just yet, but you can always start with friends, family, and colleagues. Teaching yoga is not like riding a bicycle; it's more like driving a car; if you haven't taught for a long time and you didn't have that much practice to start with, it won't be easy getting back.
Stick with it
Yes, there are many Yoga Teachers around these days, but there are also many new yoga practitioners. So, don't get discouraged; you will find your community. But to do so, you will need to stick with it. Don't get discouraged if your class is not filling up as quickly as you have imagined or if you have no-shows. This happens to every Yoga Teacher. So, instead of dwelling on self-doubt, be proactive and ask yourself whether there is something more you could do. Have you advertised your class enough (and no, this does not mean posting it on IG once or twice!)? Do local people know about it (have you made and smartly placed flyers, for example)? Does the time slot work?, etc. It takes time to build something from scratch, often years. However, if you feel you did everything you could and you're still not getting what you need, let it go and change your strategy. You will encounter challenges on this journey, whether difficulty finding classes to teach, filling types, connecting with students, navigating the business side of teaching, or facing self-doubt. Embrace these moments with grace and resilience, recognising they are essential stepping stones on your journey.
Be you - everyone else is taken
It's normal to feel inspired by your favourite teachers and to want to teach as they do, and you will, at the beginning (nothing wrong with that), but as you get more practice, spend time working on what your intention behind what you teach and say is. Your authentic voice, unique experiences, and perspective will resonate with your students. Embrace who you are and let it shine through in your classes as well as at other places you communicate with your students such as social media. Authenticity fosters connection, trust, and respect between you and your students, creating a safe and welcoming space for growth and exploration. It is essential to think about what you want to teach and say to your particular students (instead of copying sequences and words from someone else directed at another group of students), and this will help you find your voice. Moreover, it will help you learn to articulate instructions clearly (and not repeat what you heard, which is sometimes inaccurate), use language that resonates with your students, and cultivate active listening and observing skills to understand their needs and concerns.
Observe your students and learn how to adjust
You have created a wonderful class (important) and worked on a playlist to go with it (less important), only to realise, once you start the class, that your students are struggling and it's not working for that particular group. The first part of this scenario is being observant and present enough to see that your students are not responding to what you teach. This, in my humble opinion, is your best and most important teaching tool. If your students are red in the face, out of breath, not being able to catch up, trying something that might not be for them, uncomfortable, show signs of emotional dysregulation etc., you'll need to change and adapt. In other words, always have plans B and C handy. As a yoga teacher, you'll encounter a diverse range of students with varying abilities, backgrounds, and needs, so you won't be able to adjust to everyone, but you should be able to adjust to the majority.
Continue to learn and be humble
Since my first Yoga Teacher diploma, I don't think there was a year in which I didn't do at least a short course on something that contributed to my profession. The journey of a yoga teacher is ongoing, with endless opportunities for growth and development. Attend workshops, take advanced training courses, and immerse yourself in the vast ocean of yogic knowledge. Continual learning enables you to better serve your students with wisdom and compassion, but it also helps you on your journey of self-discovery or your personal path of yoga. No matter how experienced or knowledgeable you become as a yoga teacher, remain humble and open to learning from both students and fellow teachers. Students, especially, will be a continuous source of inspiration and learning. Approach each class with a beginner's mind, free from preconceptions or expectations, and be willing to explore new ideas and perspectives and adjust to the needs of those in your class.
Grow your Sangha
Translated from Sanskrit, Sangha means community, and it is an essential concept in many spiritual traditions. Leaving the US, I lost my Yoga Sangha, but by opening my yoga studio (which was called Sangha!) I had the opportunity to build my own and create lifelong connections that support me, as I do them, still. I am sure you are already a part of many communities such as your family, friends, and fellow students. Building your Yoga Sangha is equally important. Connect with fellow teachers, attend gatherings, and participate in mentorship programs (we often offer them for our former students or our Spanda Sangha;). Building a supportive network of peers not only provides encouragement and guidance but also fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual growth. Remember that you are not alone on this path, and there is much to be gained from sharing experiences and insights with others.
Self-care and well-being
Teaching yoga can be physically, emotionally, and energetically demanding, so it's essential to be mindful of that. Many teachers fall into the trap of neglecting their personal yoga practice because they teach many classes. Prioritise your practice even if it's only a 15-minute movement and breathing. Incorporate self-care practices into your routine, such as meditation, yoga nidra, and time spent in nature, to recharge and rejuvenate. Set boundaries around your teaching schedule to prevent burnout and maintain balance. Remember that taking care of yourself enables you to show up fully for your students and serve them more effectively in the long run.
Embody the essence of Yoga
Last but not least, embody the essence of yoga beyond the physical practice. As a teacher, you have the profound opportunity to inspire others, both on and off the mat. As I often say to my students, there are many yoga instructors out there, but not that many Yoga Teachers. Lead by example in living a yogic lifestyle rooted in compassion, mindfulness, and integrity. Use your social networks to share inspiration as well as information. If you live a life of awareness, gratitude, and self-love, you will be able to guide your students toward a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Strive to be a beacon of light, illuminating the path for others to embark on their own transformative journey.
May your journey be blessed
P.S. We have a few online courses that I believe are great tools for any aspiring Yoga Teacher, as well as those already teaching. Click on the links below to learn more about each one.
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
Tools For Growth
Nina Vukas
Nina is the founder of Spanda Institute, Program Director and a Lead Teacher for Advanced Study Programs. She has been a Yoga practitioner since 1998, started teaching full time in 2005, and has been educating yogis on their journey towards becoming Yoga Teachers, as well as educating Yoga Teachers to advance their knowledge and teaching skills since 2009. Nina is also a Yoga Therapist, Somatic Psychotherapist, Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, and forever a student. Currently, she is studying Psychology.
