Teaching Yoga: Holding Space

Holding space for our students when we struggle mentally, emotionally, or physically can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. In fact, it’s a vital part of teaching yoga.

Like many of you, I’m no stranger to this struggle. At the time of this writing, my husband has been battling a terminal illness for 11 years. I’ve raised four kids, three to adulthood, and one who is currently a teenager. 

There have been many days when I’ve gone from the emergency room or dealing with a teenager’s meltdown straight to the studio to teach a room full of eager yogis ready to feel embodied. 

I’m not saying this is easy, nor am I any more special than you are. I am saying that if we are dedicated and willing to go back to our yoga roots and what made us fall in love with the practice in the first place, we can continue to live in our Dharma when things get tough and hold space for our students. 

Now, I’m about to share the five things that have helped me the most and invite you to try them for yourself. Remember, your wellbeing is just as important as your students.’

Roll Out Your Yoga Mat

I hear teachers say all the time that it is hard to take the time to get on their yoga mats because they are teaching all the time. I’m here to tell you that if we, as yoga teachers, aren’t doing the work we so diligently and lovingly share with others, we are missing the mark. If we aren’t walking the walk, it will come at a cost to our mental and physical wellbeing. Taking other teachers’ classes also makes us better teachers because we can get out of our heads and become more embodied, and our students will feel that shift in our energy.

The 10-Minute Rule

Show up to your class 10 minutes early and sit in your car or a quiet place to gather your thoughts without looking at your phone or obsessing over the last part of the sequence you forgot and just breathe. Spoiler alert: If you forget a part of the sequence, no one will know but you. Getting good at improvisation is helpful. After class, take 10 minutes to walk around the space outside or to sit and breathe again to gather your thoughts before returning to the world. Be mindful of your posture and the tension you hold in your body, and then allow yourself to relax. 

Have a Class Back-Up Plan When You’re Teaching Yoga

Have three “signature classes” in your back pocket, or yoga bag, in case you’re caught without time to create something new. This would be sequence, theme, and playlist (if you use music). This strategy takes loads of stress off. When you know there is always a backup plan, you won’t feel flustered trying to come up with something on the fly. It is also helpful if you’re filling in as a sub for another yoga teacher. I’d suggest writing down your theme on a piece of paper, adding a “nickname” for your backup signature classes, and put it in your bag because we know technology can fail us. 

Find the Moments in Between

Finding moments to allow ourselves to just be while letting go of titles and expectations is vital to maintaining mental wellbeing. This means giving ourselves time to process thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This could look like intentionally leaving a few minutes in between appointments. Try sitting in your car for 10 minutes before you go into a building or the place you live. Taking a breather can allow you to breathe and come back to embodiment. Remember, these moments are yours to claim for self-reflection and relaxation.

Teaching Yoga is a Process—Give Yourself Some Grace

You are human, and no one expects you to be a superhero. It’s impossible to have every class flow 100 percent how you envisioned it. If you’re being authentic, people will feel that. People are over the days of expecting perfection. They want to show up and take an hour to unwind and feel more at ease. Your students aren’t concerned that you forgot how to pronounce Utkatasana (Fierce Pose). They want you, the real you, to show them how to become more embodied. We can do that most effectively when we remember to embodied ourselves. 

There we have it, Yogis. I hope this helps you step onto your mat and live your Dharma even when things are difficult. Above all else, remember to return to your roots and why you fell in love with yoga. 

I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a reply below.