With yoga becoming so popular, we can see a wide variety of different yoga teaching styles. Some teachers feel right, others not so much. What makes the difference? Whether you are a yoga practitioner or a yoga teacher, the question of what qualities make a good yoga teacher is bound to come up.
The most essential quality of a yoga teacher is that he should be well certified and expert in the field. Experience also counts as it makes a huge difference in giving instructions. Sometimes the instructor may have great technical knowledge but he may be uninteresting and other times he may be fun but may lack in technical expertise. This makes a huge difference in yoga practice. The teaching approaches may differ from person to person but there are certain qualities which only a good yoga teacher will possess. The 10 qualities required for a good yoga teacher are:
- Genuineness
- Self-practice and self study
- Generosity
- Preparation
- Empowerment
- Adaptability
- Trust
- Humility
- Presence
- Fun
Learn more about each of this qualities here:
Table of Content:
- Genuineness
- Self practice and self study
- Generosity
- Preparation
- Empowerment
- Adaptability
- Trust
- Humility
- Presence
- Fun
- Conclusion
- References
1. Genuineness
A good yoga teacher should have authenticity and true passion to educate and inspire others. Genuineness to teach with a positive attitude is essential. Exploration of yoga and knowledge should go hand in hand. In this way genuineness is required for a good yoga teacher.
2. Self practice and self study
All yoga teachers should first study and self practice yoga before teaching others. Experiential knowledge is necessary to guide others. Before teaching others, the instructor must practice first on the mat as experience is better than just intellectual knowledge. Attending training programs and staying up to date with the latest practices is essential for a good yoga teacher. Yoga instructor should always be curious to constantly learn and improve and be an inspiration in the room. Even if you they are a master of one style, learning more about the others and integrating them into their teachings can help a lot.
To learn more about different styles of yoga and their benefits go here.
3. Generosity
Sharing everything what one has learnt through training is essential for a good yoga teacher. Others should also benefit from the teachings. A good teacher is the one who shares his knowledge with others and teaches in abundance rather than having a fear in sharing. The phrase ‘the more you give the more you get’ should be followed by teachers. In this way generosity is one of the main qualities of a good yoga teacher.
4. Preparation
It is better to prepare and plan before the class like what to teach, considering the variety of students. Yoga should be taught in layers from simple to complex and the goal of the class should be achieved. Depending on the students’ needs and goals, the teacher can focus on either one of the many benefits of yoga. Learn more about them here. There should be commitment towards teaching in such a way that any questions or discussions after class should be welcomed. Hence preparation before class is quite important.
5. Empowerment
A teacher not only should teach certain poses but also should help students in understanding the learning process. A good teacher is the one who recognizes a student’s potential and works towards the overall improvement. There should be a quality of empowerment in teachers so that they can help the students understand the principles of practice in such a way that they are able to concentrate resourcefully on their own bodies. It is very important for students to take control of their own health and personal growth. Even if a student is new, an experience of yoga should be highly positive and delightful. In this way, quality of empowerment in students as well as yoga teachers is very important.
6. Adaptability
It is necessary for a yoga teacher to adapt to different situations and challenges. Different kinds of students come to yoga classes. Catering to all their needs and looking at the individualities of each student is a sign of a good yoga teacher. Perhaps the students needs certain props or modifications.
Learn more about how using props can help to personalize the practice.
A good teacher will observe as well as listen to the psychological, spiritual, emotional and physical state of their students. A good yoga teacher will give individual guidance to each student taking into account their age, capability and health conditions rather than giving same instructions to everyone. In this way, adaptability is a very important quality in a yoga teacher as each yoga practice needs to evolve differently.
7. Trust
It is very essential that the relationship between the teacher and the student is confidential. Whatever the student is going through psychologically or physically must be kept confidential by the teacher. Trust is an important factor and if a student trusts his teacher, only then will the whole experience cater towards a positive outcome. In this way, by keeping the personal information of the students valued and confidential, both the student and teacher can work ethically.
8. Humility
Whenever a good teacher shares knowledge and wisdom with the students, they not only put themselves on podium, but also see to it that the students do not feel inadequate physically and emotionally. They should not underestimate any student with their words or actions but instead leave a huge positive impact on them. It is okay if the teachers do not know all the answers but it is great to accept one’s own mistake and be truthful and humble enough to gain trust and respect from the students. They should not claim themselves as medical experts and promise diagnosis but instead show humility, sensitivity, people’s skills and empathy towards their students. Anybody can have technical skills but it is difficult to find teachers who have good character traits as well. This makes for a perfect yoga teacher.
In India, a good yoga teacher is often called a guru. Here’s how to recognize a great guru.
9. Presence
One of the most important qualities of good yoga teachers is their presence. Their presence should command attention. Their energy should be such that it can increase the energy level of the students as well and make them feel welcome and at ease. Even if the students do not feel like practicing yoga, the presence of a yoga teacher should be such that it lifts up the spiritual energy into the class and provides a sense of purpose. Whatever baggage a student has, yoga helps in leaving that right at the door. This all depends on the presence on a good yoga teacher.
10. Fun
Yoga can be boring at times and can get too serious as well. It is important for a yoga teacher that the students do not get caught up in the competitive aspect and miss the fun. Smile and laughter adds lightness in tense situations and makes yoga fun and light.
Conclusion
These are the 10 qualities of a good yoga teacher. Every good yoga teacher should not only have experience and knowledge of yoga but also immense love and respect for this field. There is no room for ego in yoga. Teachers should have a desire to let other people grow through yoga and should have sensitivity towards the needs of all their students. Apart from having good communication skills, a yoga teacher should be fun and not boring. Gaining a student’s trust is very important too. Hence, these are the qualities a good yoga teacher that he must possess, to be successful as well as inspiring for the betterment of the yoga practitioners and for one’s own self.
References:
https://ihanayoga.com.au/qualities-good-yoga-teacher/
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2y 061/11-Qualities-of-the-Ultimate-Yoga-Instructor.html
https://theyogaconnectionnc.com/top-10-qualities-great-yoga-teacher/
https://samatva-yogalaya.com/7-top-qualities-a-yoga-teacher-must-strive.html
https://www.yogiapproved.com/yoga/yoga-teacher-guidance/
https://samatva-yogalaya.com/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-india.html
Tatjana Glogovac, Senior Contributor At L’Aquila Active
Learn more about Tatjana by reading her bio below.
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