Top Qualities You Can Expect In Your Yoga Teacher

  • By Yoga Studio Calgary
  • 26 Mar, 2018
Do you remember back when you were in school. Did you have an extra special teacher one year? One that really made an impact on you? It made a difference to you, I am sure. The world of yoga and meditation is no different. There are many many teachers all around the world who are offering their own unique gifts. Trainings are varied and come from the multiple lineages. If you had a great teacher in grade two, she or he probably gave you gifts of learning and growing that took you further and made you feel just so great. The same can be said for your yoga teacher. So what are the qualities you should be looking for?

1) First, you are in the driver's seat! Your yoga teacher is simply a guide. They are giving well educated and experienced suggestions as to how you should move your body, how you should breathe, or how you should rest your body. It is all up to you to decide what you are comfortable with doing. Never allow your yoga teacher to insist you do anything. Yoga can change many things about ourselves for the better, how we move, how we live, how we breathe, how with interact with other people.....it is so important you follow your own lead.

2) Your yoga teacher should be challenging you. This is how you will grow. A good yoga teacher will tune into what your goals are, what your resistances are, and what your health history is. She or he should then be showing you the next level that is waiting for you. Do not withdraw from this kind of guidance. Your yoga teacher is inspired by your practice and wants to support your growth. Remember, you will only grow by continuing to move forward. Don't head for the door or resist the challenge. Your yoga teachers should see your capability and direct you there.

3) Your yoga teacher should have a yoga teacher. If she or he does not, how will she or he grow, learn, advance? How will your yoga teacher have new and inspiring teachings to bring back to you? Plus, who is keeping them in check? Challenging them?

4) A good yoga teacher doesn't know it all. A good yoga teacher will tell you when your request or needs exceeds their skill or experience level. Be open to their suggestions of other classes to try, other teachers to learn from.

5) Finally, a good yoga teacher will always leave their own emotional journey and yoga practice outside of their teaching. Your class is not your yoga teacher's class. She or he is there to teach, guide, watch the bodies in the room, offer adjustments or suggestions, tune into the energy of the room. The class they are teaching is no place for them to have a personal practice.
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