Why being Authentic can help you as a yoga instructor

Why being Authentic can help you as a yoga instructor?

Starting as a yoga teacher can be intimidating and overwhelming, but as you become more familiar with your practice and teaching, remember this one important aspect: no one can replace you. Every teacher has a unique approach, and it doesn’t mean that one is better than the other. It’s about embracing your authentic gift and sharing it with others.

This is one of my biggest challenges, and I’m constantly putting myself in check. When you’re doing the same thing over and over, you want to spice it up and make it unique, but it’s also crucial to keep your students engaged and at ease.

1. Feeling Confident and Empowered

As a yoga teacher, feeling confident in your apparel can make or break your teaching experience. By wearing your favorite two-piece yoga outfit sets and accessorizing with your favorite earrings, you can feel authentic and empowered. Additionally, curating a playlist ahead of time that brings you joy and motivation can enhance the class’s vibe. Finally, taking 15-20 minutes before class to practice your sequence can help you feel more prepared in your teaching.

• Wearing your favorite outfit to teach your yoga class
• Wearing accessories that make you happy 
• Curating a playlist that brings you joy and motivation
• Taking 15-20 minutes before class to practice your sequence

2. Speaking your truth

The Power of Authenticity in Yoga:
As a yoga instructor, being authentic in your classes can help you attract the right tribe of students. This creates an intentional space and brings the right individuals to your sessions. Speaking your truth not only guides your students on and off the mat, but also inspires them to show up for themselves and for each other. 

Having trouble speaking your truth? Here are some tips to help speak your truth 

• Helps attracts the right students
• Creates an intentional space
• Helps guides your students on and off the mat
• Inspires your students to show up for themselves and for each other

3. Maintaining Professional Boundaries as a Yoga Teacher

It is common for students to approach their yoga instructor after class and share personal information. As yoga can uncover deep emotions and unresolved issues, it is important to establish a safe space for your students. This allows for healing and relief from stress, tension, and trauma.

However, as a teacher, it is also necessary to set boundaries with your students. As a yoga instructor, I provide my students with an extra 15 minutes after class to help with their poses or provide emotional support. Once the time is up, I politely share that I need to get going. As a yoga teacher, it’s essential to be true to yourself.

This helps you set clear boundaries about what works and what doesn’t, making it easier to be firm when needed. Holding space during class requires significant energy, and establishing boundaries that work for each teacher is vital after the practice.

• It is important to establish a safe space for your students
• As a yoga teacher it is also necessary to set clear boundaries with your students
• I provide my students with an extra 15 minutes after class to help with their poses or provide emotional support
• Holding space during class requires significant energy don’t feel bad for being firm with your boundaries when needed

4. Being Transparent and honest

As a yoga instructor, there are days when I don’t feel my best. On such days, I take my own advice and make modifications. If something’s going on in my life, I share an intention that works for me and the class. I’m sure you’ve experienced days like this too. Remember to be kind to yourself and acknowledge that you’re only human.

It’s okay to teach what you can and not offer things that you don’t mean. Being authentic with your students will create a genuine connection that they’ll appreciate.

• Modify your instruction on days when you don’t feel your best
• Share an intention that can help you get through the practice as well
• Being authentic with your students will create a genuine connection that they’ll appreciate
• Be kind to yourself on your off days, trust me students can relate

What does Authenticity mean to you?

Share in the comments if you can relate!