As a regular writer for Words and Contemplations, I decided to share the common questions I have been getting asked as a new Yoga teacher. These questions relate to my Yoga teaching so far. I have been teaching for less than a year, and I am curious about every stage of the journey. Right now, I am finding it profoundly eye-opening and humbling.
What’s your favourite part of a yoga class?
When everyone is in stillness at the beginning of class, we all breathe together and let go of the day we've each had. We come together as a group, as equals for our practice. This sense of equality is not just a concept but a tangible reality on the mat. It’s a beautiful experience that fosters a deep sense of inclusion and value for each individual.
How long is your Savasana in class?
I try to include at least 10 minutes. The rest and quieting is what Yoga is about for me. The poses are incredible for many reasons, but the peace in the body and mind at the end of class is rarely cultivated beyond the weekly classes students attend. It’s maybe the only time they make for themselves. It’s important that we prioritise it whenever possible.
What is the one thing you want everyone to understand more about yoga?
If there's one thing I want everyone to understand more about yoga, it's the power of breath. It's the most potent tool we possess, present in all of us. It can be the difference between gracefully moving through a challenging pose or struggling. The lessons we learn on our mat can be applied to our everyday lives. Discussing breath with your yoga teacher can be surprisingly enlightening. Its power is truly transformative.
Why are so many Yoga studios focusing on fitness?
Yoga is a profound practice that offers numerous physical benefits. In today's world, many people are drawn to its fitness aspects. However, there are also traditional studios that delve into the deeper aspects of yoga. If you're curious about these, look for studios offering workshops or courses on tradition. Use intro offers to find a studio that resonates with your curiosity and values. Remember, yoga is more than just physical strength. It can be as powerful as you allow it to be. Find good teachers and always listen to your body.
What makes you love Yoga?
Yoga, for me, is not just a practice, but a life-changing journey. It has been a transformative force, offering me a community, a sense of dedication, and a path to healing. It has given me a foundation of learning, which I can align my life to. The principle of always being a student is both powerful and humbling, inspiring an ongoing thirst for wisdom, while giving back to others and helping them explore what it might mean for them.
How did you start your Yoga journey?
Initially, I wanted more than a fortnightly trip to the chiropractor to realign my injured shoulder. I sought a strength practice that would work on every part of my body. Within days of going to a studio, I was hooked, four times a week turned into 6 years, and then I did my YTT.
What is your favourite Yoga pose?
Right now it’s dancer, only because I have been teaching it recently and I love that it looks different in every body. It was also the first pose I let someone take a photo of me in, and it holds significance right now. It’ll change as I continue to learn how to get my body into more advanced poses.
What has been the most surprising thing about Yoga?
One of the most surprising and liberating aspects of yoga is the non-judgmental nature of the community. In the studio, no one cares who you are outside, what you do, what you wear, or any other external factors. Everyone is the same, each on their mat moving together in that moment. This acceptance and lack of judgment is truly liberating, allowing you to be your authentic self without fear of scrutiny.
What has been the most helpful advice you have had about teaching yoga?
- Be authentic, don’t try to replicate someone else's class, learn to be yourself in your body. It’s what you want for your students, so you need to enjoy it for yourself.
- Don’t take it too seriously. If you miss a word, it's okay; the students know you’re human, and if you wobble in a balance, it lets them know they can, too. It’s a practice, not perfection.
As people find their way to Yoga, they do it from many different starting points, and for many other reasons, the inclusion in these communities makes it appeal to the masses. It's not about how you look in a class or how flexible you are; it's about how you show up time and time again. It's making the time to connect with yourself as often as possible.
Yoga is a practice of discovery, strength, balance and stillness. You should try a class today. :-)
