Book Notes: The Art and Business of Teaching Yoga
The book in short:
- It is a disservice to humanity and your community not to know and share your gifts.
- Yoga is a business and the same marketing, business plan,.. rules apply → so utilize them
- This gives you a **practical** framework to think about your values, your target audience and what you think makes a valuable Yoga teacher
🎨 Impressions
This book is quite helpful if you feel like me, somehow stuck between a Teacher Training and the real world. Or you want to see which teaching routes you can take with your Yoga life and how to price them.
What I quite liked is how practical it is, not just theory but tangible to-dos that makes you reflect on why you chose this profession in the first place and what your path exactly is.
It shows being a Yoga Teacher from the business side, how to go from “I can do Yoga” to “I own my own studio and give retreats” and how to keep your personal practice going.
With all that said, I urge everyone not to take the authors opinion in this book as law, as always. Find your values and your style, what resonates with you. For example the author seems to dislike Yoga Teachers giving free classes as they hurt the full-time Yoga teachers trying to make a living and it’s not nice to them. I don’t go with that argument completely. I feel it’s more like an unfair advantage if you can afford it without going broke.
Who Should Read It?
You got your Yoga Teacher Training and want to be (or already are) a Yoga Teacher but feel a little overwhelmed on how to continue professionally.
If you want to be reminded again what a Yoga teacher is “supposed” to embody.
Want a practical how-to on how to be your teacher-you
📒 Summary & Notes
Below is a small rewritten summary of passages I found most resonating with me. Text of the author maybe was changed to summarize.
In the present day, one might think that the increasing popularity of yoga is a cause for celebration. After all, with more individuals embracing yoga, there's a greater potential for personal growth and the spread of peace and harmony across the world, isn't there? However, as yoga's popularity has soared, it has not been without its fair share of challenges. Seasoned yoga enthusiasts have found themselves in debates, questioning whether the timeless principles of yoga are being diluted to cater to the masses or perhaps manipulated to align with the personal objectives of teachers.
Think about it. How many yoga teachers have a business degree? Not many. There are countless of business books already available but the knowledge in them would need to be transferred to the yoga business. This book aims to give the yoga version already.
Free Classes:
Every time a teacher offers a yoga class for free (or teaches for very little) they are paying to teach that class. They bought the gas for their car to get there, they paid for parking outside the studio, and potentially they rented the space too. In other words, they spent more money than they earned. Whenever a class is given away, that choice influences the market, thereby undermining others who depend on their teaching income to support themselves. I almost never teach for free, and when I do it’s typically for a benefit in which participants have donated to the cause. It’s fine to teach for free once in a while, but be mindful not to make this your modus operandi.
Sharing is Caring:
If yoga teachers do not promote the merits of yoga and their own expertise in teaching it, then how will people find the path to those benefits? The great rewards of yoga are worth sharing with the world. The distinctive gifts that yoga teachers can offer their students are worth publicizing.
But only share if they have the money .... ....
(Non-) Duality: Embracing Life's Beauty
In the world of yoga, there exists a captivating concept known as non-duality—a philosophy that explores the profound interconnectedness of all things, transcending apparent differences. Picture this: two fundamental forces, Prakriti and Purusha, engaged in a timeless dance.
Prakriti: Imagine Prakriti as the material world, the stage upon which life's grand play unfolds. It encompasses the ever-changing tapestry of existence, the ebb and flow of emotions, experiences, and the kaleidoscope of diversity that surrounds us. Prakriti represents the dynamic nature of our lives. Our ups and downs 🌸🍃
Purusha: In stark contrast, Purusha embodies the unchanging, eternal essence within us. Our true Self or Atman, which is eternal, unchanging.
In some yogic traditions, practitioners tend to lean towards one of these forces, aligning more with either Prakriti or Purusha. Like “I am not this body, I am not this mind”. But there's a different perspective—the Tantric view. Unlike some other yoga traditions that urge practitioners to transcend the material world, Tantra warmly embraces both Purusha and Prakriti, offering a unique perspective on existence. A divine play, a grand unpredictable adventure <3
Karma isn’t the whole picture. Its opposite is known as lila. Lila encompasses divine play, vulnerability, ambiguity, and the fact that anything can happen. As humans we are vulnerable to what the world dishes out, and the future is uncertain and unpredictable. The yamas and niyamas are important and straightforward, and yet they don’t quite account for a world that is also lilic. In one moment your life could be calm, and in the next breath it could change forever if a family member is hit by a car, your spouse gets laid off, or your health takes a turn for the worse. Don’t get me wrong — the yamas and niyamas are essential, and I wouldn’t want to live in the world without them. Yet it’s important to recognize that they originated as part of an ascetical paradigm meant to encourage seekers to move away from the world of social contracts.
💖 Core Values: Your Personal Compass
Consider core values as your personal compass in life. They not only guide your decisions but also ignite your inner motivation. When your actions align with your values, your true passion shines.
🔑 The Power of Values:
Connecting with your core values brings depth to your yoga teaching journey:
- Amplified Passion: Teaching becomes a profound passion.
- Authenticity Unleashed: You naturally express your true self, which resonates with students.
- Community Building: You attract like-minded individuals who share your values.
- Clearer Direction: Your path forward becomes unmistakable.
- Focused Purpose: You prioritize what truly matters in your life and career.
🚀 Putting Values into Action:
Identifying your core values is a straightforward process. The challenge lies in living by them. It means having the courage to decline opportunities that don't align with your values, even if they seem tempting.
🌟 Embracing Authenticity:
Unfortunately, not all yoga teachers are well-prepared to serve and provide value to their students. Some may try too hard to make a good impression, inadvertently coming across as inauthentic. Others may act deceptively in the yoga studio to fit a perceived "yogi" image but have a completely different personality outside.
However, it's vital to prioritize authenticity, even if it means some may dislike you. Authenticity fosters genuine connections and trust with your students. Being true to yourself is a strength that resonates deeply and sets you apart as an exceptional yoga teacher.
👚 Embrace Your Authentic Fashion Sense:
Your personal style is a powerful form of self-expression. It can set you apart as a unique and inspiring yoga teacher. Do you ever see someone and think you know exactly how they live their life and what their values are? For me it's seeing baggy paints, dreadlocks, piercings,.. and it's beautiful that they emit this feeling in me. Maybe also make it a todo for you, do you want to radiate in the same way?
Act authentic - students can smell fakeness
🌟 Crafting Your Yoga Mission:
Your mission statement acts as your teaching compass. It communicates who you are, what you stand for, and why you teach yoga. It also outlines the people you aim to serve and the benefits you offer.
🌠 Shaping Your Mission:
To create your mission statement, follow these steps:
- Reflect on your teaching strengths and areas for growth.
- Explore the core values that drive you.
- Dive into the reasons behind your passion for teaching.
Your mission statement offers you the chance to envision a world transformed by your teaching. Picture a world enriched by your unique talents and passions. Enjoy the creative process, and seek input from friends and influential figures in your life.
Take the time, now, to write down your core values and mission!
Teaching with Passion and Purpose:
🧘♀️ Teaching Excellence: Pour your heart into teaching. Be creative, innovative, and dynamic. Leave students inspired, eager to return. Keep honing your craft to bring them the best.
🤝 Loyalty and Personal Bonds: Loyalty goes beyond retention; it's about deep personal connections. It's like family. Share heartfelt moments and adventures. Text students to say you've missed them. Invite them to community events. Remember birthdays. Show you care.
🙏 Relationship with the Divine: Explore the spiritual dimension of yoga teaching. Discover how your connection with the divine enriches your practice. Reflect on the role of spirituality in your teaching journey. Feel the love.
We are all God
🤗 Relationship with Oneself: Self-awareness is the foundation. Understand how your self-relationship influences your teaching. Learn self-care practices to sustain your journey.
We are all One
Fostering a Yoga Community:
📱 Online Connections: In today's digital age, online relationships matter. Connect with students and the global yoga community through social media and digital platforms.
🧘♂️ Classes and Community: Make your classes more than just yoga. Turn them into must-attend social gatherings. Welcome people from different places. Offer tea and snacks after class. Respect your students' time and offer real value.
Crafting Your Unique Brand:
🧬 Brand Identity: Your brand reflects your essence. Let your strengths and values shine in everything you do. From colors to social media, let your authenticity and character shine through.
🎯 Identifying Your Target Group: Think about who you want to teach. Office workers, new moms, athletes - the list goes on. Understand what they crave in their yoga practice - that's your unique selling point.
🚀 Reaching Your Target Group: Once you've nailed down your ideal students, figure out how to reach them. Social media, workshops, or local events - pick your channel. The goal? Connect what they want with what you offer.
🌐 Social Media: Social media can be daunting, but remember, it's a tool for connection. Address your fears and doubts. Embrace your worth as a yoga teacher. Stay true to your mission.
👥 Knowing Your Students: Understand your students deeply. Tailor your classes to their needs. Make them feel fulfilled and accomplished in their practice. Give them what they want, and watch them flourish.
a) Vision -> What are the characteristics of your ideal student?
b) Needs -> What does this student need from a "good" teacher?
c) Alignment -> How can your teachings align with the students' needs?
d) Targeting -> How can you reach this student?
e) Engagement -> How can you connect and engage with them?
Teaching Binder 📚
Your teaching binder is your essential companion, a treasure trove of inspiration and organization. "Keep a binder. Treat it well," as our seasoned instructors advise. In it, hold your classes, your statement, your values, and everything that encompasses your journey as a teacher. This binder will be with you every step of the way.
What Belongs in Your Binder?
A) 🎯 Mission Statement: Your teaching mission statement comes first, serving as a wellspring of inspiration and motivation in case you feel lost. It's where you keep brainstorming notes and values close at hand.
B) 📖 Anecdotes: Share succinct, sincere, and focused stories to inspire students. Collect insights and metaphors in your binder to frame effective, unique messages.
C) 🧘♀️ Themes: Maintain an ongoing list of class theme ideas to spark creativity for future classes.
D) 📋 Class Plans: Centralize your class plans for flexibility, allowing reuse or adaptation for different groups of students.
C) 🕺 Vinyasa Flows: Document mini-vinyasa flows, enriching class sequences. Experiment and refine them in advance to ensure accessibility and grace.
D) 🧙♂️ Quotations: Curate favorite quotes by authors, teachers, and artists. Use them to enhance class themes and inspire students on various topics.
E) 📝 Student and Client Notes: Keep records of achievements, challenges, and class poses for both group and private sessions. This is especially valuable for private clients to track progress over time, like a doctor would.
1) Get a Binder: Choose a physical or digital binder that suits your preference.
2) Fill in the Steps: Organize your binder with the sections outlined above, including your mission statement, anecdotes, themes, class plans, vinyasa flows, quotations, and student/client notes.
3) Enjoy the Journey: Embrace the journey of self-discovery and teaching growth that your well-organized binder will facilitate.
Be Present in Teaching 🧘♀️🎯
Teaching yoga isn't just about poses; it's about presence. We all get caught up in life's rush, but when you step into that teaching space, your students deserve your full attention and care. Here's how to make your teaching more mindful:
Teaching with Heart: Practical Steps
- Be Here Now 🕰️: Before each class, give yourself a few minutes of quiet time. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and connect with yourself and the divine. This helps you show up fully for your students.
- Speak from the Heart 🤐: Sometimes, less is more. Avoid overwhelming your students with too much information. Share what truly matters, and let it resonate in their hearts.
- Poses for All 🧘: Celebrate every pose, from the simplest to the most advanced. Let your students know that each one is valuable. Encourage them to explore their potential without comparison.
- Lead by Example 💪: To be a great teacher, prioritize your well-being. It's not about being perfect; it's about being real. Show your students that a balanced, healthy life is a journey, not a destination.
Record yourself teaching a yoga class at home.
Watch it later with a critical but compassionate eye.
Identify areas for improvement to enhance your teaching skills.
Home Practice 🏡
Maintaining a personal yoga practice is not just empowering; it's a wellspring of creativity. Get yourself into a good habit. In regular yoga classes, the focus, if you are the teacher, is not about you but the one taking the class. If you have good alignment cues and articulate well, you don't even need to do any pose yourself. So in order not to lose the feeling, you also need to stay within this yoga-world.
Commit to your mat five to seven days a week, even if just for ten minutes. Start small to avoid pressure; you'll soon crave more time on the mat. And experimenting with finding funny movements or sensations is awesome! 🤸♀️ Also, add some music from time to time for your home practice to keep it fresh and exciting. 🎶
Your Habits for Success:
- 🏃♀️ Exercise: Prioritize cardiovascular exercise for invigoration.
- 🥗 Diet: Nourishing, clean meals are vital.
- ✨ Skincare: Achieve a radiant glow through self-care.
- 💇♀️ Hair: Professionalism shines through styled hair.
- 🚿 Hygiene: Freshness projects energy and health.
- 👣 Feet: Pedicures matter; students notice.
- 🧹 Decluttering: Release natural endorphins for a surge of energy and pleasure
