When teaching Yoga classes to the public, there are certain components, which separate some teachers "from the crowd." Luckily, all of these components can be learned, but what qualities should a Yoga teacher learn to develop? According to one survey, two thirds of all adults had never taken a Yoga class.
If we ask the non-participating public to tell us what a good Yoga teacher should be, we usually hear answers like: Athletic, thin, vegetarian, flexible, strong, and the ideal body weight. These are good qualities for instructors who teach a physical style of Yoga, but they indicate nothing about their character or ethics.
In fact, a Yoga instructor's mission is to teach us something, in each lesson, which we can take home to improve our health. The teacher's physical prowess does not teach us anything new; and physical feats are not a reflection of teaching skill. As I have said before, any competent gymnast can perform impressive physical feats. Great coaches do not have to be elite athletes to train successful athletes. The following are some of the most underrated, but important qualities a Yoga teacher should possess; and all of them are a reflection of good character.
A Yoga instructor should be a good communicator. Speaking well is important, but communication is a "two way street," which requires listening skills and exceptional observation skills. This is the Yoga teacher who is not afraid to answer questions. He or she also knows when to stop demonstrating and give an assist. Some teachers can project a gentle or silent message, without saying a word. As a student, you can see it in his or her eyes, face, and body language. A teacher who can project kindness and charisma, without saying much is filled with passion for Yoga.
Charisma is the common denominator among the greatest teachers of all time. Yet, since it is unseen - it is also underrated. A charismatic teacher will establish an ethical rapport with Yoga students as a by-product of his or her personality. Many successful Yoga teachers reflect self-confidence without arrogance or self-righteousness. This type of self-confidence is full of positive energy and is easily seen as optimism. This is a Yogi or Yogini who has learned to transcend fear, look for solutions, and find success.
Some Yoga teachers are skilled at instilling the gift of empowerment within their students, which translates into their valuable life skills. Most students want honest feedback and recognition. When a Yoga instructor takes the time to remember names, give an honest compliment, make eye contact, and keep a sense of humor, students look forward to each lesson. Although the public is often deceived by superficial viewpoints, and hasty judgment calls; the depth of a teacher's character is always revealed to the serious Yoga student.
Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
If the yoga teacher can meet the criteria of communication, assistance, listening as well as modification, or CALM, you will have found the right place and the right person to teach you yoga. The yoga teacher should be able to speak with you as well as the other students in a manner that is full of respect for one another, and he or she should also be open to answering any questions that may arise in the minds of the students.
A good yoga teacher would also be one that is compassionate and who can spare time to guide the students through meditation and also help them to relax. These are major areas within yoga and the teacher should be adept in teaching them. Beware of a teacher that simply wants to rush through the various aspects and is only interested in getting the workouts finished and done with.
The yoga teacher should also be a person that is caring about the student's form and will provide all manner of assistance while teaching yoga, and will encourage the student into learning the skills. In addition, the student should also find that his or her queries are adequately answered, and that the teacher is attentive to their concerns. Also, the yoga teacher should change the exercise and modify it to suit the class and should also encourage letting the students use props, if required.
Feel Good Factor
Your yoga teacher should be pleasant to interact with, and not abusive or rude. A stern person that is also caring is preferable to one that is curt or insists on knowing everything that there is to know about yoga. He or she should earn the respect of the students and reciprocate the same to the students. The yoga class should have a feel-good factor that binds the class together and promotes harmony and a better learning curve.
The bottom line is that if the yoga teacher passes your criteria test of CALM then you may go ahead and commit to learning from that person. Otherwise, you will be better off looking around for a more appropriate instructor.
Both Jackie & Alison White are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jackie has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga Practice, Anger Control and Yoga Practice. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.http://www.yoga-teache. Jackie's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.