What being a teacher means

As I start my yoga teaching career, I am relishing in the opportunity to meet other instructors, teach portions of their class, and attend their classes after I teach. I am learning so much about finding my teaching style and voice.

As I attended one such class this week, the instructor asked us to think about the intention we set at the beginning of class. I taught the beginning of the class that day, so I selected "teach" as my intention. Having the opportunity to reflect on this word made me think about what being a teacher means to me.

Teaching also means leading. At the beginning of my teacher training program, I often felt intimidated by other students who might have been practicing longer than me, who were more flexible than me, or who could perform more complicated poses than I could. But the reality is, many yoga practitioners are not incredibly flexible or are able to do every arm balance. They are there to learn and grow, not show off.

As I reflected on the word "teach" I realized that it is not my responsibility as a teacher to do every complicated posture or request that students do something outside of their abilities. My responsibility as a teacher is to help students find the best place for their bodies. So as I attend classes in a teacher capacity, I have to be mindful that I am not there to expand my personal practice, I am leading. Students will be watching me because they know that I am the teacher and not because I can do the most beautiful wheel or crow. Students will watch me because they will know they can trust me and my movements. When students need help, I want to be a safe place to land and not someone who makes them feel inferior.

Through my practice of yoga I can understand the distinct and separate roles of yoga "student" and "teacher". As a student I can focus on challenging myself and doing things to expand my practice, but when I am a teacher I am there to lead and guide. I am not practicing for myself, but helping students to yoke together their mind, body, and spirit. Namaste!