10 Yoga Teacher Confessions
Please, please don't hold these against me.
1) If I read a quote from a book, I probably haven't actually read the book itself. More likely than not, someone else posted the quote on their blog or read it in their class, and I lifted it.
2) I think people don't look in the mirror to see if their pants are see-through. Yes, those black leggings are see-through. Yes, I can see your tushy.
3) Sometimes, I walk into class having only thought of a single pose I'd like to work up to. Sometimes, I walk in and have nothing planned. Often, the classes where I make everything up on the spot are the best classes, because they are about the student, and not about me and what I think they might want to do.
4) I could care less about your extra “chaturanga push-ups.” They are just push-ups. I'm not impressed. I'm not de-pressed. I just don't care.
5) I still want to write my yoga book, although I don't have the energy for it these days. I also worry that, after years of working on it, I just won't be able to get enough submissions to make it work.
6) I still hate asking for money for a yoga class.
7) I still really want my students to like me, which affects my teaching.
8) I no longer practice the style of yoga that I teach. While I still think it is exactly what a lot of people need, it isn't good for me right now.
9) I really love my students, but I'm not sure I want to be their friends. Sometimes it works, sometimes they end up asking me out for a coffee date and then getting down on the floor to have me “quickly” check out their alignment.
10) Sometimes, I would pay to not have to teach. That being said, once I start, I am so happy to be there.
Any other yoga teacher confessions out there? How about for yoga students?
Ditt-to-the-o
ReplyDelete11) I eat meat these days. I ran out of energy from depriving myself.
12) this pose is completely contraindicated for me. But I'm going to make you lot do it anyway
love this... and i have to say i feel the same way on most of these things.. #9 i used to have that problem when i did massage.. it was the constant offer to "volunteer" if I needed to "practice" some massage moves... as if i shouldn't get paid for working..
ReplyDeletexx love.. this is FABULOUS!
You speak for us all.... :~)
ReplyDeleteAs a student ...
ReplyDelete1) sometimes I do poses that aren't good for my body, but since everyone else is doing it, I don't want to modify
2) if the teacher messes up the sequence or forgets the left side, I notice but I won't say anything
3) I worry about how sweaty I am when the teacher gives me an adjustment
4) I judge the physical fitness of the teacher's body
5) I judge the physical fitness of my body and of the students around me
Please don't hold these against me :)
Emma, I hear ya on pretty much 100% of these confessions. Most made me smile. Thank you for your honesty.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are sweet potatoes. Rachel-- I'm starting to eat meat, for the first time in 15 years, again. Until I figure out a different way to be healthy later, I need to be healthy now.
ReplyDeleteYogiconomist: http://www.slowlovelife.com/2011/03/yoga-teachers-few-humble-requests.html
Love the honesty. Who would hold any of this against you? We are all in the same boat. Happy Solstice. I hope you have some time off.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honesty. I agree with all of the above. I eat steak once in a while when my body seems to crave it. Will I die sooner because of it - I doubt it.
ReplyDeleteto Yogiconomist I agree with all of yours too!! Feels like I am in a 12 step program for Yoga teachers!!
Jai
As a student:
ReplyDelete1.NEVER eat an egg sandwhich before yoga. NEVER
2. It's nice just being on your mat and not having to deal with the behind the scenes stuff the teacher have to deal with
3. I'm always happy to be there.
4. I usually get an ego boost from the teacher
Love your blog, btw!
Justin
Justinsjourney.net