Being extremely knowledgeable about yoga is no longer the most important thing for a yoga teacher.
Yup, I said it.
The most important thing for a yoga teacher to do is to create a safe environment.
“Wow, Ali, that’s vague,” you say!
True. Here are the six new roles that a yoga teacher must juggle in order to have the skills it takes to create a safe environment.
1. Choreographer
Unless you teach a set series (like Ashtanga or Bikram) you will need to learn how to create elegant movement phrases that feel good to perform.
2. Orator
Just like in the Roman Senate, you are trying to corral a bunch of opinionated, powerful people into joining you on a journey. Into relaxing their dominance and trusting you to lead them.You must learn how to use your voice, your body, and your presence in the yoga room to do this. A quiet little mouse leads no one.
3. Philosopher
Modern times mean that many different life-styles and religions live side by side, often harmoniously. A yoga teacher must understand not only yoga, but Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and as many other religions as possible in order to speak intelligently to a room of mixed faith.
4. Businessperson
Marketer. Promotional expert. Accountant. IT expert. If a yoga teacher has his financial house in order, he can relax and truly be present whilst teaching his class rather than letting worries of a financial matter sap his energy.
5. Fitness Professional
If anyone is proof of this, it is my friend David. David has a master’s degree in exercise physiology, and not only does his varied knowledge infuse his class with fascinating ideas lacking in other classes, but there is a level of trust created that he knows how to move our bodies safely.
6. Body-language expert
Yoga teachers have to watch the room. Huffing, puffing, scowling, confused looks = bad. Focused faces, clear breathing, steady poses=good. Becoming sensitive to change your plan according to what that particular group of students needs makes them feel safe.
Well said Ali! Welcome back, we missed you!
<3 Aw, Amy, I miss you too!! yay!!!
Fantastic list, especially in the light of the recent debate over harmful/healing effects of yoga. It’s so good to see your posts again. I’d love to hear your take on the recent NYT write up about the risks of yoga!
ILOVEYOUCAN’TWAITTOSEEYOUTONIGHTGONNAHUGYALIKECRAZYCAN’TGETALIOFFME
I agree with you! Yogis must be open to all and everything! And yoga is not just about spirituality but also exercise! I like that your friend also has a degree in exercise science. But I have to say not all of us yogis are lucky to have been able to attend college, but I must add that being in touch with their own physical body is very much important. When a yogi is in tune to their own bodies…they become more in tune to the effects of the poses to other people’s bodies. I do not believe in pushing people! I believe in making them move…but not forcefully! Thanks for the post and I enjoyed reading it!!
Namaste’
Christine
What a nice comment! I like the cut of your jib, Christine! xo Ali
does this mean you are going back to teaching, sensei?
That’s the plan, Stan <3
great post! agreed!!
I agree with all of these, except #5. I love teaching and practicing yoga. I, too, think it’s fantastic to take a class by someone who is more educated in fitness and knowledgeable about the body, who CAN offer creative classes. But, I don’t want to be looked down on or thought not to be a good yoga teacher because I don’t do that, and don’t have that education nor want it. But, this is a good list! I love your blog. (First-time commenter, long-time reader!)
very nice and very true. t hanks for sharing.