Finding your authentic voice as a teacher
By Denver Clark, C-IAYT, ERYT-500
Finding Your Authentic Voice as a Yoga Teacher
As a yoga teacher, finding your voice is a crucial part of finding your place in the sea of thousands of teachers becoming certified every year. Your authentic voice is the unique expression of who you are, and it determines who you attract to your classes, how you connect with your students and what kind of experience you create for them.
Here are some insights and tips to help you uncover and embrace your true voice as a yoga instructor.
1. Understand Your Personal Practice
Spend time reflecting on what yoga means to you personally. What styles resonate with you? What teachings inspire you? Dive into what you are interested in because there is a likely chance many others are interested in this as well and who better to guide them through that journey than you? Understanding your preferences, values, and experiences will help you articulate your unique perspective in your classes.
2. Embrace Vulnerability
Authenticity requires vulnerability. Don’t shy away from sharing your personal stories, challenges, and triumphs with your students. This openness fosters a deeper connection and creates a safe space for your students to explore their own vulnerabilities. Yoga reminds us that we are all human and teachers who embody this humanness provide a judgement-free space for their students to grow in. You are not expected to be perfect, just as you don’t expect your students to be perfect. Remember, it’s okay to not have all the answers; your journey is as valuable as your teachings.
3. Explore Different Teaching Styles
We often emulate our own teachers, especially at the beginning of our journey because those lessons are the ones we’ve found most valuable and we want to provide that for others. But remember, your experience is unique and different, so have fun trying lots of different things! Experiment with various teaching styles and methods to see what feels most natural to you. Whether it’s hatha, vinyasa, or restorative yoga, allow yourself to explore and adapt different approaches. Seek out education on language skills, communication skills and take lots and lots of classes to observe the voices of other teachers. This exploration will not only enhance your skills but also help you discover your authentic teaching style.
4. Listen to Your Students
Your students are a valuable resource in your journey to find your voice. Pay attention to their feedback, questions, and needs. Open your heart to feedback as a gift to help inform you of what kind of teacher you want to be and turn off your defensive mind. Remember that feedback is not judgement and consider asking for it instead of waiting for it, so you can be ready to receive with an open heart and mind. Engaging with your students can provide insights into what resonates with them and how you can tailor your teaching to better serve them. This connection can help you refine your voice further.
5. Trust Your Intuition
Trusting your intuition is essential in finding your authentic voice. Allow yourself to flow with your instincts during classes. If something feels right in the moment, go with it. Your intuition is often a reflection of your true self, guiding you to express your authentic voice. Find practices in your own life that help you tap into this intuition so you feel open and confident when your heart and gut are telling you something is right.
6. Continue to Learn
The journey of self-discovery is ongoing. Attend classes with lots of different teachers in various spaces. Sign up for workshops, read books, and engage with other yoga teachers who are teaching things you don’t and do already know. In this way, you can see your knowledge base from a new perspective and may make a few changes to what or how you teach. Learning from others can enrich your perspective and inspire you to incorporate new ideas into your practice. Learning goes beyond collecting data or certificates and extends to observing how other teachers interact, relay information and hold space for their students. Embrace every opportunity to grow and evolve as a teacher.
7. Cultivate Presence
Being present in the moment is key to authenticity. Focus on your breath, your students, and the energy in the room. Cultivating presence allows you to connect deeply with your students and express yourself genuinely. This connection enhances the overall experience for both you and your students.
8. Share Your Passion
Your love for yoga is contagious. Share your passion with your students and let it shine through your teaching. When you speak from the heart about what you love, it resonates with others and creates an authentic experience for your students. They will want to study more with you because you are so in love with what you do!
By embracing your unique experiences and trusting your instincts, you will create a teaching style that feels genuine and impactful. Remember, your voice is what makes you a distinctive teacher—embrace it, celebrate it, and let it guide you as you inspire others on their yoga journeys.
If you’d like to learn more about finding your authentic voice as a teacher and yoga professional, consider joining us in February for our Yoga Professionals Retreat in Belize!
