By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP
When you are teaching a Yoga class, remember that this time is not about your personal Yoga practice. Teaching Yoga is about giving your knowledge to others, demonstrating and explaining the techniques effectively, and putting your students’ needs ahead of your own.
Taking Care of Yourself
You will probably still feel the benefits of a Yoga class, but it also might leave you yearning for more, or feeling as if you did not quite get adequate fulfillment. It is up to you, then, to find time when you are not teaching to squeeze in a personal Yoga practice, where you can accomplish a number of things.
Firstly, you will be able to satisfy your need to stretch, breathe, meditate, and relax. Secondly, this is a great opportunity to work on any techniques you may be struggling with at this point in time. Finally, you might use this practice time to explore other aspects of Yoga that you are not necessarily ready to teach, but enjoy practicing independently.
Use this time for personal reflection and fulfillment. Forget about teaching Yoga for a while, and focus on your inner spirit. It might seem counterproductive, but it will actually help you grow as a Yoga teacher.
Making Time
It is important for all Yoga teachers to take the time to nurture themselves. In order to be able to give so much to your students, you have to keep filling your cup. Seek out time during the week where you practice Yoga alone, or with a mentor or colleague.
Explore areas of Yoga that might be too advanced for a class full of novice students, or areas that you do not have the desire to teach, but wish to practice.
Remaining Current
Maintaining a personal practice ensures that you stay current in all aspects of Yoga that interest you most. It guarantees that your Yoga classes will remain fluid and interesting, avoiding monotony. Many students prefer a varied routine for each class, where they are learning new poses or working on different areas of the body.
Students expect the teacher to be a motivator, instructing them to go a bit further, or to try something new. If you are not engaging yourself in your personal practice, you must ask yourself if you are truly presenting yourself as a positive role model to your Yoga students.
Finding the Time
Most teacher’s find that their schedule is full within a year or two. The secret is to schedule an appointment with yourself. Find the time to add personal Yoga practice to your schedule today. Maybe you fit it in for 15 minutes here and there, in between scheduled classes, or you could block out larger chunks of time a few times per week. Create a schedule that works for you, and stick with it.
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This is valuable advice, but some that many teachers fail to recognize. I teach several classes weekly, but practice many more hours on a personal level. I also take others classes. It is very obvious when a teacher teaches too many classes and is not continuing along a path of their own.
It is a challenge to recognize what part of your expanding practice to bring to your students, when and where. But they do appreciate your dedication to yoga.
This was a great reminder and interesting that you would bring up this subject now. I have been realizing that I have not taken adequate time to feed my personal yoga practice. As Robyn, the previous responder stated, it does make a difference and can reflect in your teaching skills, as well as personal wellbeing. Thanks again Paul!!!
Namaste,
Anna Bain
I remember my very first yoga teacher. She never missed her personal practice because it was her practice that gave her knowledge and inspiration on a personal level that she in turn used to teach us. She often shared her thoughts with us, she had been all over the world studying yoga and teaching but she told us that the most important thing was her personal practice. I couldn’t imagine teaching Yoga and not having a regular personal practice. We teach students to make Yoga a part of their life because , we say, it will benefit them and bring about wonderful life/health changes. We have to practice what we preach!
Namaste
Personal practice might seem counterproductive, but it will actually help you grow as a Yoga teacher. Nice sharing!
It is important for all Yoga teachers to take the time to nurture themselves. In order to be able to give so much to your students, you have to keep filling your cup. Thanks for this informative article.