Instructor or Teacher?

Which is it?

Rather than focusing on pleasing and meeting your imagined expectorations of those who may attend your classes, focus on yourself.

What drew you to this practice? What’s the origin story of your interest in yoga? It probably started long ago. Think back to the first class you ever took. Why did you take it? Even if it was at someone else’s suggestion, why did you agree? And then why did you stay with it? Why then did you become so committed to it? The answer to these overly simple questions will turn you towards the events and people that shaped your reactions and perceptions. Your character.

You, of course, have a unique perspective on yoga. Anyone can learn to describe postures, string them together in a logical sequence, put together a playlist and say things that sound appropriate for a yoga class. This makes you exactly like other yoga “instructors”, only with less experience that those whose examples you’d follow.

There’s another way. A way unlike any other. Choose to work with the postures and techniques that you love the most, and maybe don’t even bother to ask yourself why you like them so much. Go past intellect and follow your instincts. Then speak to why this practice means so much to you. Point only to the the things that resonate with you. Lean into it. Strip in down. Don’t expand your message, hone it. This will require you to look within, rather than towards the examples of others. That will make you a compelling teacher, and you will rise above the instructors easily.

Hari Om

Keith