Ten Attributes of a Great Yoga Teacher

When asked to write this article, my first response was, “Sure, that’s easy, I’ll have this done tomorrow!  A plus B plus C plus D = Great Yoga Teacher.”  Then I started to read what others had written and began to question myself, “Who am I to say what makes a great yoga teacher?  I do not know enough.  I am not advanced enough.  What if I write something and others in the Yoga community judge me?  What if I don’t get it right?”   

I had to stop and laugh at myself.  As a yoga teacher and a human, some form of these questions are always swirling around in my head, no matter how long I’ve taught or how credentialed I am.  

What makes a great yoga teacher?  Do I listen to these voices in my head and let them inform my teaching?   Or do I hear these voices and move out anyways, making myself vulnerable and taking a risk?  This is not easy work.  Sure, it gets easier with time, but I often find the more experience and knowledge I gain, the more I can use information to cover up my vulnerability, my fear of being judged by a room full of people.  Fear of sharing my deepest self with others and being rejected.  

So what makes a great yoga teacher?  Here is my Top 10 list.

1. A great yoga teacher is willing to be vulnerable.  Sounds a bit conceptual and, SO much easier said than done.  I really struggle with this one.  There are several ways to practically work on being vulnerable in the class room.  One way is eye contact.  Do you look into the eyes of your students?  I often find myself looking through students, because if I look into their eyes they will SEE me. Intimacy= Into Me See.  Most days I am scared of what people will see.  But a great teacher of yoga will do it anyways, despite the fear they may feel.  This kind of real connection is what changes them and the lives of others.  “Without fear there is no courage.”  Which leads me to #2

2. A great yoga teacher has the courage to be imperfect.

I’ll always remember a quote from Yasmine, one of my first Bikram yoga teachers, “Perfection is boring.”  The way she said it landed in my bones, as I lay on the grungy carpeted floor in a pool of my own sweat.  As a student, I want a teacher who knows how to be human, because I’m human and I want to know that it’s okay to be me, just as I am.  But a great teacher will not just stop there, which leads me to #3

3. A great yoga teacher will take a stand.

Of course as a student, I want to be held in a safe space… but I also want to grow and keep moving forward.  The founder of Budokon, Cameron Shanye, coined a helpful phrase, “The way we do anything is the way we do everything.”  This is very true when we practice yoga.  If a student is constantly late to a yoga class, I can assume, they are probably constantly late to everything else in their life. If a student shies away from trying new things, constantly pushes too hard past limits, doesn’t take rest, takes too much rest, makes excuses….if they are doing it on the mat, most likely it’s showing up everywhere.  A great teacher of Yoga will hold students accountable for their actions and stand for students when they are not able to stand for themselves. Offering feedback can be uncomfortable and often result in people not “liking you.”  But a great teacher will do it anyway, because they are willing to risk not being liked for being respected.  They operate out of their own integrity and become a force for transformation in a student’s life.  My life has been changed by many great teachers who were willing to stand for me in my growing pains and blind spots, with fierce compassion, wisdom and tenderness.  

4. A great yoga teacher protects the whole.

In a yoga classroom setting, the teacher is in charge.  Therefore it is the teacher’s responsibility to protect the whole.  Great yoga teachers understand what it means to create a safe space for the entire community to operate in.  We’ve all been in those classes where the one student keeps talking really loud, or completely doing their own thing, or smells terrible!  A great teacher will take care of the whole, by holding the one accountable with graceful assertiveness.

5. A great yoga teacher knows how to use conversational and essential languaging.

It can be helpful for a teacher to demonstrate a pose, but it is essential that a yoga teacher can walk a student in and out of a pose, using just their words.   A great teacher is a Master wordsmith.  They can speak to someone’s body like they would with a friend at Happy Hour.  They are able to have a conversation with bodies and make their words land.  A great teacher does not just talk to a student’s brain, a great teacher talks to student’s nervous system on a visceral level.  When a student leaves this class, they might not be able to tell you why their life was just changed…but they FEEL it and start to live differently.   

6. A great yoga teacher speaks to what is in front of them. 

We’ve all been in those classes and I know I’ve taught a few, where the instructor is going on and on about high minded ideas and philosophies which have nothing to do with the class in front of them. Great teachers are able to weave a soulful or inspirational theme throughout the class and the theme connects to what is actually happening for the students in the room.

7. A great yoga teacher is always working on their own practice.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that to be a great yoga teacher you have to hold 10 minute handstands or wrap yourself up in a tiny pretzel.  I was a college soccer player and currently train seriously in Martial Arts.  My hamstrings are never going to let me wrap up into an A plus pretzel.  But that’s not what I’m talking about.  A great teacher is not just practicing yoga asana, a great teacher is always practicing how to be a more loving human being.  This path looks different for everyone, but the great teacher is actively on it and dedicated to being the best person they can be for themselves, others and the world.   Mary Oliver asks a great question in her poem, This Summer’s Day, “What will you do with your one wild and precious life?”  A great yoga teacher is constantly asking this question of themselves and others.   

8. A great yoga teacher is always a student.

To be a great teacher you MUST be a great student.  I tell students in my teacher training program to never trust a teacher who claims to “know the truth” about everything.  A great teacher exudes a palpable curiosity of life.  They are seekers of truth, not “knower’s” of truth.  But knowledge and experience are also important qualities of a seasoned teacher, which leads me to #9.

9. A seasoned yoga teacher has knowledge and experience.

I use “seasoned” instead of “great”, because I think you can be a great teacher by teaching what you know.  But there is definitely something to be said for years of experience and study.  A great and seasoned teacher has experience teaching students.  They have sought out higher education and knowledge for their own growth and advancement. There is a wisdom that comes with experience.  A “seasoned” yoga teacher is developed with time, patience and endurance.  

10. Last but not least, to be a great yoga teacher you must show up.

As a Director, teacher and student this seems like an easy one, JUST SHOW UP.  Students trust that if your name is on the schedule, it is you who will be there.  Yet, we so often see Yoga teachers treating their classes only as a paycheck.  I am not judging, as there have been several times in my yoga teaching life, where I have tried to get a sub at the last minute.  But to be a great teacher, you just show up no matter what you’re going through.  You take your commitments seriously and if you feel over committed, you make needed changes.  Of course life happens, we get sick, we take vacations, etc., but a great teacher is consistent and dependable, even if they do not feel like teaching on a particular day.   

I am blessed and honored to have had so many “GREAT” teachers in my life.  I humbly commit to staying on the path of a teacher working towards greatness.

Step Up

The following is an excerpt from Anne’s book, Unfold Your Mat, Unfold Yourself

Step Up I just take one step closer to you. And even when I’ve fallen down, my heart says follow through. ~ONE STEP CLOSER TO YOU, MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD

Step to the top of your mats.

This is what the instructor says at the beginning of most every yoga class.

I hear this so much that it’s automatic to simply step to the top when I’m told. I can be finishing a conversation, coming up from a seat or coming down from a stretch. It doesn’t matter. Everything stops, my mind clears, and I step to the top. But last week I heard something else.

Step to the top of your mats, the instructor announced. And when I did so, my mind, on its own accord, suddenly responded in silence, Reporting for duty!

I’ve never really had a thought surprise me. I usually know what I’m thinking about. But on that day my response was as automatic as my step to the top. And even though no one could hear my mind speak out, everyone else reported for duty, too.

If you asked me, I’d answer aloud that I practice yoga to stay in shape, the kind of shape that takes all forms.

The practice helps keep me fit physically, mentally and spiritually. But now I know there is another reason. It’s the reason my mind stated, even though that in itself sort of makes me question the state of my mind!

Truly, though, practicing has now become my duty, to myself and to those I find around me. Going to yoga is how I have my own back. It’s a vote of confidence in me, by me. It’s how I let myself know that I’m worth maintaining, that my body, my mind and my spirit are all worthwhile.

So I’m proud to report for duty, almost daily, because with each day I’m able to see how far I’ve come in caring for myself.

I took a big detour for a generous portion of my life, throwing the care of my body, mind and spirit off course. Somehow, I let someone other than me navigate, and it’s been a very long road back.

Every step to the top of the mat is another step back on track. The next day comes, and I report for duty as usual. It is a Monday following a long holiday weekend, and I had been uncharacteristically tired for days.

The weekend had a strange pace as I practiced and slept and practiced and slept. At the end of the week’s first workday, I stop home to eat and change out of my work clothes.

Continuing my weekend pattern, I set the alarm for a 45-minute snooze and fall into a deep sleep before leaving the house. The evening class is crowded, and there’s only one space left for the instructor.

The room is hot from the previous class, and the instructor opens the windows to invite in the setting sun and the summer breeze.

Step to the top of your mats, he says. I automatically take the step, and we’re told to place our feet wider than usual and bring our hands to our hearts.

We are asked to set an intention or say a prayer or think of anything meaningful.

Every time we’re asked to do this, a million things run through my mind, as if I have to figure out something quickly in this very brief moment. Should I bless my children? Should I send good thoughts to someone? Should I say a prayer? Should I, should I, should I?

This night, I decide to send my thoughts to me, which I don’t usually do.

And, once again, I hear my mind speak on its own accord, this time simply saying the word, Love. And then we’re told that we’re going to start slowly, and we follow the instructor’s motions as he raises his hands to the ceiling before bringing them back to his heart.

I press my hands together and follow them with my eyes, up and overhead, just in time to see a dozen rainbow polka dots splashed across the ceiling, a picture the setting sun has made as it shines through a prism that hangs in the window.

The class moves along at what I find is an unusual pace of patience and power. Somehow the movements are big and small at the same time. We move carefully and slowly in a way that is powerful and strong. The instructor practices with us while telling us what to do, so we can listen and see at the same time.

Periodically, we are told to stop.

After a flow, we are supposed to hold still. We are instructed to take Child’s pose. Later, we are told to stay in Down Dog. Still later, we get to choose our stationary pose, and I go into a headstand where I can be still while upside down.

Each time I’m almost disappointed to stop. I want to keep flowing, and I’m not even aware that I need any sort of break until there is one. Only then do I realize how much effort I’ve put forth, and it’s a welcome rest.

Once we’re still the instructor gives an explanation for why, and the reason is an interesting mix of patience and power, just like the practice.

He says, You work hard, and you rest hard. Work and rest. Work and rest. You give and give, and then you receive.

And I realize, then, that this rest between flows is the same as the step to the top of the mat. It’s a duty, too. It’s what helps to strengthen the body, the mind and the spirit. It’s the decision to receive after giving so much.

At the end of the practice we are asked to bring to mind the intention or prayer that we set at the beginning. I had almost forgotten but remember right away that mine was Love.

The practice ends, and I realize this love has already come to pass. Somehow the movements have fortified me, and I feel solid and worthwhile. I give the instructor a heartfelt hug and tease my friends that it’s time to label the studio wall with our names because we’ll be back before we know it.

We leave, and I walk to the grocery next door with a friend and hug her, too, telling her I’m honored to know her and love her, too.

And then I turn to shop and see that I’m standing among all the brightly colored fruits and vegetables, their colors a rainbow splashed in front of me like those on the studio ceiling earlier that evening.

And I want to buy them all because my prayer and my practice worked.

But it’s very close to the time to make my way home, because I have to report for duty again tomorrow. So I remember, instead, the mix of patience and power, and I buy just the few things I need, along with a treat or two for Love.

Compassion Over Judgement

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from Sri Dharma is observing him love all beings unconditionally - without judgement. I strive to love in the same way. It isn't easy and it requires constant monitoring of the ego. It is also another way to practice being present. You notice your thoughts as they are forming; you choose silence over speaking; and you think before you act.

Recently I have been struggling with the judgement that seems to be overtaking yogis across the country. It ranges from judgement for being too into yoga to being not yogic enough. In the words of Salt 'N' Pepa(!), "Who are [we] to judge? There's only one true judge, and that's God, so chill, and let [our] Father do his job." Do I really believe there's a guy sitting up high somewhere judging us? No...but that's another topic entirely. But, you get the point. Who do we think we are?

To truly practice and promote peace, we can strive to see ourselves in others. Then how can we judge? We're all figuring ourselves out in our own way and in our own time. Let's create space for all to be who they are and love each other unconditionally. After all, "we're all just walking each other home." - Ram Dass

Noticing yourself judging? Here's what I try to do before it goes that far.
 

Step 1: I see myself in that person. It is especially helpful if I can find one point in common with them. For example, we are the same gender, we live in the same city, we have the same hair color...it isn't hard. You can find something in common with anyone. The most obvious is that they are also human...or, expanding further to all beings, they have a beating heart.

Step 2: Remind myself that he or she is doing their best. According to the laws of karma, we are all acting according to our conditions and, thus, everything is perfect exactly as it is.

Step 3: Mentally tell them I love them and create space for them to be exactly who they are.

Do I do this successfully day-in, day-out? No. Why? Because I'm not perfect. Of course not, I'm human. Even judging people who are judging is judgement. How's that for a riddle? But, even in these circumstances, I try to follow the steps above and work my way through it. If I do end up talking (or, in this case, writing) I try to choose my words very carefully - selecting word combinations that cause the least amount of harm possible. And every day I get a little bit better. Compassion is, as always, the answer. That's why AHIMSA is the root of all ethical practices in yoga.

The practice that serves me best --- when in doubt, is to keep my mouth shut. As Dharma says, "when you are silent, you see everything with love.

I hope you each has a lovely holiday season. I encourage you to be easy with yourself during these busy times. And eat more veggies. We can always benefit from eating more veggies.

Love,

Brittanie

Gradualness

“A new moon teaches gradualness and deliberation, and how one gives birth to oneself slowly. Patience with small details makes perfect a large work, like the universe. What nine months of attention does for an embryo forty early mornings alone will do for your gradually growing wholeness.”

— Rumi

Could Rumi have imagined how nutritive such words would be halfway around the world, nearly a millennium away? (Probably, yes, he could.) These words, these concepts, this invitation runs deep and true. Right to the essential center of our silky souls, where not even the 24-hour news cycle, the never-ending to-do list, the iPhone, the fitbit, the juice cleanse, or the craziest of New Year’s resolution could touch it.

All cliches about starting a yoga studio blog post with a Rumi quote aside, I am here to extend my own invitation to at least stop and consider -- for however many moments you can spare -- this word: “gradualness.” I won’t waste the roughly eight seconds of attention I may have from you on the litany of ways in which we are currently accustomed to instant gratification, fast results, answers, and information.

Because I feel you.

It was about 8 months into my “new life” -- my transition from a corporate attorney in “big law” to a yoga teacher, writer, human, something… in what I called my “big life, big love.” I was on a retreat with one of my dear teachers, high in the mountains of New Mexico, sitting on the expansive, open porch, looking out on the even more expansive, open horizon beyond, lamenting about how I hadn’t “figured things out by now.”

My teacher told me -- the former overachiever who was still letting the A++++ tendencies seep out of her body -- “be patient.” Rumi’s patience was never one of my natural or apparent virtues. But here I am today, nearly two years after leaving the “big” job. I haven’t yet written the novel (or trashy lawyer romance, I can’t yet decide), or maintained a regular blogging “career,” or opened my own studio, or amassed a million Instagram followers (or dollars, for that matter). But today, reading and understanding words like “how one gives birth to oneself slowly” gives me more satisfaction than checking the box, getting the degree, or landing the job ever did.

I’m all for starting the new year intentionally. Hell, make as many resolutions as you’d like. But I’m in it for the slow unfold of this story.

---

Catherine teaches in the prana vinyasa style of yoga, shaping her yoga offerings like her writing, like her life ~ slow, gentle, gradual, and restorative.

You can find her at Flow Yoga Center for Gentle Flow on Wednesdays at 12:30pm, Yin Restorative on Thursdays at 5:15pm, Vinyasa Flow 1.5 on Fridays at 4:15pm, Gentle Flow on Saturdays at 10:45am, leading Yoga Fundamentals series on Saturdays at 12:30pm and at seasonal workshops & trainings.

Catherine also leads Flow’s corporate & private wellness programs and would love to help you bring wellness into your workplace & home. You can also join her on the road at workshops all over the globe or find her writing online at samandcatherine.com and tribequarterly.com.

New Year Resolutions

What do you resolve to do in the new year?

Happy New Year Yogis!  For the New Year, we asked a panel of our dear teachers how they handle resolutions. Here is a collection of their answers below......enjoy!

Cory: Meditate more.

Marion: Be present in every moment.

Ahmed: My personal goal is to absorb as much of each moment as I can.

Jonathan: Dropbacks.

Joan: May our vision for 2016 be in High Resolution!

Caroline: To find more opportunties to be of service.

Jen D.: Shift out of my head to be more present so I can show up for my in a much more meaningful and attentive way. I am hoping to move away from the state of constant rehashing and anticipating, worrying and judging!

Mimi: My resolution is to move more in my yoga practice and fitness routine!

Debra: More space for my family, less procrastinating on the hard stuff, more love, more kindness and more sharing!

Brittanie: I don't do resolutions. But I happen to know that 2016 is going to be amazing.

Linda: Instead of resolutions, I do a word. This year it is "Rooted".

Anglea: Getting into Nature more!

Susie: My hope for 2016 is to find more time to be in nature, even in the city. I recently went on a hike and man, what a great reset button!

Adam: My resolution is to live more simply!

Leah: Gave up the resolutions a few years ago, although was thinking this year that I need to spend less time checking social media and clicking through to silly reading and instead use that time to do things that bring me joy, bring me relaxation, or help me learn something new or be inspired.

Aqeel: I have no resolution but a few years back I made a decision to use every experience as a means for Self-realization. With guidance, support, and perseverance I have faith in that process.

Victoria: To practice being present in each moment, and to continually practice listening and speaking from a place of compassion and complete connection.

Todd: I don't have any resolutions, specifically. For me, a lot of things I continue to work on all come from wanting to cultivate compassion by living with compassion. Some days I do okay, while others...

Gail: No resolutions, gave them up years ago . . . but I continue to strive for more patience, understanding, empathy! (coming and going)

Shree: I attended Deepak Chopra's Retreat recently and my resolution for 2016 is "healing the heart of my students".

Clare: My intention this year is to be brave, wise, loving, and kind. I'm gonna need it for the year ahead of me.

Monica: My word of the year is "aligned," and I hope to cook or bake 1 new recipe per week