Making Mistakes as a Yoga Instructor
It does not matter if you are a new or seasoned yoga instructor, you will make mistakes in your yoga class. Not only will you make mistakes, but you may even make people angry.
I despise confrontation and believe most problems can be solved. Unfortunately, resolution is not always an option when working with other humans who have opinions. As I settled into adulthood, I reconciled with the fact that not everyone is going to like me no matter how hard I try. However, offering your heart to people who may be judging you is an entirely new reality to deal with. Teaching yoga in a studio is like a weekly performance piece where people can review and post their thoughts about you on various platforms. It is almost as if there is no room for error, which is terrifying for those of us who want to share and also fear being in front of people. Over the years I have concluded that as long as I am heart centered when I teach, I have done my best.
The very first class I taught in 2016 was a bit of a disaster; it was in the most prestigious yoga studio in Columbus and I had overanalyzed every move. I made an amazing playlist to go along with the flow which continues to be a fun part of teaching. Because I was scared to hear my own voice, I blared the music and did not pay attention to how students were receiving it. In the middle of the warmup sequence, I heard a loud voice from a student in the back row. I had no idea what they were saying, but it didn’t sound like they were happy. Then I heard the words, “would you please turn the music down??!!” I knew they were right and I was also completely taken aback that someone was speaking directly at me while I was teaching. I could feel this student’s disdain for me and their reluctance to finish the class. I never saw them again and it was a harsh learning lesson for me. I can come up with a hundred worse scenarios than this, but I was still mortified. Even to date I sometimes play my music too loud and rely on the students to tell me.
I have been late to class because of traffic or car problems, I have taught the same side twice in a flow, I have forgotten what I was saying midsentence, and I have called students the wrong name. I have also made mistakes I am not even aware of. Mistakes will happen and acknowledging them helps because it humanizes the experience for everyone. Consider getting very comfortable openly laughing at yourself. Laughing at myself is one of my favorite things to do in class now; a sense of relief falls over everyone the moment laughter erupts. Suddenly, people have the permission to fall out of an arm balance or attempt a posture without the need to be perfect. We can be seriously dedicated to our practice and also be playful in community. Incorporating a sense of levity in your teaching can be a precursor joyful moments even when the sequence gets difficult.
Stepping on my mat to teach can feel like a test. I remind my students that they are not being graded on their performance, but I need that reminder too. I can say the wrong thing, teach something awkward, or forget a pose, and still be teaching from a sacred place. I show up because so do my students and we face challenge together in community. With good intentions and good plans, I can walk into class knowing that I did my best regardless of the mistakes I make. I would even go as far to say that making mistakes in class is essential. Modeling acceptance and encouraging imperfection can actually help your students. Learning to give myself grace has helped me teach others how to do the same.
