Going into a public yoga class can be intimidating. Luckily, great yoga teachers can make you feel welcomed even if you might not know know all the poses or philosophy in yoga. Even experienced yoga practioners might wonder what yoga teachers are thinking as they walk around the room. So here’s some insight on what yoga teachers REALLY want you to know!
We’re not concerned if you can’t touch your toes
We don’t mind if you can’t touch your toes, or if your hips are tight, or you can’t balance very well. What matters to us is that you practice with an open mind, a soft heart, and you’re not taking things too seriously. So what if you can’t touch your toes? What matters is that you try. Which brings us to the next point…
We want you to feel accepted
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been coming to yoga for 10 years or this is your first class. We want you to feel welcomed and accepted. We want to give you options, and to not feel bad for taking one option over the other. One of the greatest advancements in a yoga practice is to shift your focus from what other people might think.
It’s ok to check out other styles or teachers
We understand it’s nice to check out different styles or to be inspired by another teacher. Both curiosities bring other elements to your practice and help you grow in different ways. We also accept that sometimes you “need” that certain style or teacher that particular day, and we’re totally cool with that.
You’re welcome to come early
We appreciate when you can come early and ground yourself before class. Plus, it’s nice for you not to feel rushed or panicked about getting to class on time. Yoga teachers love connecting with students before and after class so don’t feel pressured to show up just before the start time or leave quickly afterwards. We appreciate that extra 10 minutes to get to know you or to simply catch up.
Ask us questions!
Hear a mantra that you’re curious about? Not sure what “Om” is or why you might practice a pose a certain way? Ask us! We’re here to help and yoga teachers love to share useful tips to help you in your practice. We do our best to give a thoughtful perspective to grow from and reflect on.
Talk to us!
Is there an adjustment that feels a little too deep or are you feeling pain in a certain pose? Give us a little wave and we’ll be glad you came to us for help. Feel give us feedback with what you’re experiencing and don’t be afraid to speak up.
We don’t always want you to take the hardest variation
In fact, a lot of us love seeing when you “go against the grain” and practice what honors your body. Does your back hurt in high plank? Be empowered to lower your knees – even if the option isn’t given. This goes for any pose! There are some days you’ll want to take those challenges and other days when there’s a better variation for you in that moment.
We want you to experience rather than analyze
One of the great things about yoga is that it’s experiential, so although we understand our own body quite well, we recognize that it can be very different from person-to-person. We give suggestions based on our experience, our student’s experiences, and our knowledge, but that can only go so far. This is why finding your own inner teacher is an important tool to guide you.