“Today’s class was amazing!”
Every yoga teacher longs to hear those words, and I got that heartwarming seal of approval yesterday. But what made this class so special? I decided to switch things up on the spur of the moment due to a sudden weather change. Little did I expect the enthusiastic response from my students. Despite months of meticulously planning what I believed was the “perfect” yoga program, something felt amiss. Sure, my teaching experience was still budding, but there was a missing piece that I didn’t quite grasp until that moment – humility.
The irony isn’t lost on me. I’ve often advised my students to embrace humility, to journey within and accept themselves. Yet, I failed to apply the same wisdom when crafting my classes. My aim was to impress, to showcase “perfection.” It was like waving a flag that shouted, “Look at my achievement, everyone!” In truth, this drive was merely a cover for my insecurity as a new yoga teacher. Ironically, it obscured my true purpose – to serve my students.
So, what was different about yesterday’s class? Multiple rounds of Surya Namaskara, each time building upon the previous. The key was gradual progression. Learning thrives on repetition, a fact I had inadvertently neglected. I should have been offering guidance, allowing them to correct themselves. Instead, I often delved into explanations, interrupting the flow. My obsession with fine-tuning poses led to static classes lacking dynamism. Fearing monotony, I rarely repeated poses, inadvertently hindering my students’ practice and rhythm.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Detailed pose breakdowns are essential, and not every class should be a whirlwind. What gnaws at me is the absence of humility, steering my classes towards boosting my ego rather than nurturing their roots. Humility, at its core, is acknowledging strengths and weaknesses without seeking accolades. My students humbled me, and I’m deeply thankful for the lesson they’ve bestowed. Yesterday, they became the teachers, reminding me that genuine connection is nurtured through humility.
Zheng Yoga Geneva 