As I sit on my yoga mat, preparing for another class, I am reminded of the incredible journey that has brought me to this point. My journey as a yoga teacher has been one of growth, self-discovery, and transformation. Over the past 15 years, I have learned that teaching yoga is not just about guiding others through poses and sequences; it is about sharing a practice that has profoundly influenced my life and continues to do so every day.
I am both young and old—a paradox that perfectly encapsulates my experience as a yog teacher. I say “old” because I have been teaching yoga for over a decade and a half, sharing my knowledge with hundreds of students from all walks of life. Yet, I am also “young” because the practice is still fresh to me. Each time I step onto my mat, I am reminded that I am a perpetual student of yoga, with so much left to learn and discover. This duality is the essence of my teaching, and it shapes the way I approach both my practice and my students.
The Influence of Other Teachers
One of the greatest joys of being a yog teacher is the opportunity to learn from others. Over the years, I have been drawn to the teachings and writings of many yogis, each of whom has left a lasting impression on my own practice. These teachers have a way of expressing the beauty and depth of yoga in words that resonate with me, and I find myself incorporating their wisdom into my own classes. But something magical happens along the way: as I listen, practice, and internalize these teachings, they begin to morph into my own unique voice.
This is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching yog—finding your own voice amidst the chorus of others. It’s a process of synthesis, where the knowledge you have gained from your teachers is filtered through your own experiences and insights, emerging as something entirely your own. Through 200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, the practice of yoga becomes a living, breathing entity that continues to evolve and grow, just as we do.
The Evolution of My Teaching
When I first began teaching yog, it was at a time when the practice was just beginning to gain popularity in my community. People would come to my classes out of curiosity, having heard about this new “trend” and wanting to see what it was all about. I remember those early days vividly, particularly the first time I led a class through Savasana, the final resting pose. To my surprise, several students would roll up their mats and quietly tiptoe out of the room before the pose had even begun, avoiding eye contact as they left. It was a humbling experience, and one that made me question my ability as a teacher.
But as time went on, something interesting happened: those same students began to return. Gradually, they started staying for Savasana, and with each class, I grew a little braver in my teaching. I began to introduce breath work, share the philosophy behind the practice, and explain the deeper meaning of the poses. I realized that while some students might come to yoga for physical reasons—to sculpt their bodies or increase flexibility—they often left with something much more profound. They began to experience the mental and emotional benefits of the practice, even if they hadn’t initially sought them out.
Yoga as a Healing Practice
As a yoga teacher, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of yoga in the lives of my students. People come to yoga for a multitude of reasons. Some are seeking clarity for a big decision and need to reboot their minds. Others are looking for a sense of internal stillness in our increasingly frantic world. I once had a student who came to yoga to rehabilitate a knee injury so he could continue to enjoy hiking through the woods. Over the years, I have seen yoga soften the edges of hardened hearts, help people cope with grief, and even provide relief from chronic pain.
The benefits of yoga are as diverse as the people who practice it, and one of the most important lessons I have learned as a teacher is that it is not my job to dictate what those benefits should be for each individual. Yoga is a deeply personal practice, and each person comes to the mat with their own unique intentions and goals. My role as a teacher is to create a space where students can explore the practice on their own terms, discovering what it means to them and how it can support them in their lives.
The Dual Nature of Yoga Practice
The duality of being both young and old in my yoga practice is something I see reflected in my students as well. Some students come to yoga with a youthful enthusiasm, eager to challenge themselves physically and push their boundaries. They may initially be drawn to the practice for the “burn,” seeking a workout that will tone their bodies and improve their fitness. Yet, as they continue to practice, they often find themselves drawn to the more subtle, introspective aspects of yoga. They begin to appreciate the quiet moments of stillness, the meditative focus on the breath, and the sense of peace that comes from being fully present in the moment.
Other students come to yoga later in life, perhaps after experiencing an injury or illness, or simply as a way to cope with the stresses of daily life. For these students, the physical challenges of yoga may be less important than the mental and emotional benefits. They may find that yoga helps them to slow down, breathe more deeply, and reconnect with their bodies in a way that is gentle and nurturing.
Regardless of why students come to yoga, what I have found over the years is that the practice has a way of meeting them where they are. It offers something for everyone, whether they are seeking physical fitness, mental clarity, or emotional healing. And often, even those who initially come for the physical benefits end up discovering the deeper layers of the practice, finding a sense of balance and mindfulness that extends far beyond the mat.
The Power of Words in Yoga Practice
One of the most surprising and humbling aspects of being a yoga teacher is the way in which my words can resonate with students, often in ways I never intended. I remember a recent incident where a student from my class posted on Facebook that she was taking my advice and “seizing the day” instead of cleaning her house. She mentioned that her teacher (me) had told her not to strive for perfection.
When I saw her post, I was perplexed because I had no recollection of ever saying those specific words in class. I went through my notes, trying to remember when I might have said something similar, but nothing came to mind. It was then that I realized something important: what she had heard was not necessarily what I had said, but what she needed to hear in that moment. The words she had attributed to me were, in fact, whispers from her own internal voice, words that had surfaced during her practice and provided her with the clarity and guidance she needed.
This experience taught me that as a yoga teacher, my role is not just to impart knowledge, but to create a space where students can listen to their own inner wisdom. Yoga is a practice of self-discovery, and sometimes the most profound insights come not from the teacher, but from within the student themselves. As a teacher, I can offer guidance and support, but ultimately, the practice belongs to the student. It is their journey, and they must find their own way.
The Unfolding of the Practice
One of the most beautiful aspects of yoga is that it is a practice that continues to unfold over time. Just as I have grown and evolved as a teacher, so too have my students. I have seen them come to the mat for one reason, only to leave with a new understanding of themselves and their practice. Yoga has a way of surprising us, of revealing new layers and dimensions that we never expected.
As a teacher, I am constantly learning from my students. Each class is an opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of the practice and to refine my approach. I am reminded that I am still a student, that there is always more to learn, and that the practice is never truly “mastered.” This is what keeps yoga fresh and exciting for me, even after all these years. It is a journey without a destination, a process of continual growth and exploration.
For my students, I encourage them to come to the mat with an open mind and heart. To come for whatever reason draws them to the practice, whether it is physical fitness, mental clarity, or emotional healing. But I also encourage them to be open to the possibility that they may leave with something entirely different than what they came for. Yoga has a way of giving us what we need, even if it is not what we thought we wanted.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
In my 15 years of teaching yoga, I have learned that the practice is a gift—one that I am honored to share with others. But I also know that it is not my gift to give; it is something that each student must discover for themselves. Yoga is a practice that can transform your life in ways you never imagined, but it requires patience, dedication, and an open heart.
Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for years, I invite you to embrace the journey. Come to the mat for whatever reason calls to you, but be open to the possibility that your practice may take you in unexpected directions. Yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is an incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding and experience of yoga. Yoga is a practice that continues to unfold, revealing new insights and wisdom as we grow and evolve. It is a journey that we are all on together, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
So, as a young old teacher, I offer this: Come for whatever reason. Leave with a new one. The practice of yoga is yours to explore, and I am here to support you on your journey. Let us learn and grow together, and may we continue to find joy, peace, and transformation in the practice of yoga.
