Lesson I learnt from my own YOGA SESSION :PriaMantra



Yoga has been a constant in my life for many years. Granted, it took me a long time to advance and deepen my practice. When I first began, I saw yoga as purely about the poses and getting a good sweat.

As practice is growing, I had a growing desire to do something meaningful with my life—to help others, and to offer something to the world that would have a positive impact.After much research and introspection, I applied to the teacher training program of my choice. I was accepted, and thus my journey began.


Teacher training gave me a solid foundation in yoga history and philosophy, anatomy, pranayama, and sequencing (with a heavy focus on vinyasa). What it didn’t prepare me for was the practical reality of teaching. Teaching fellow trainees in your training program is one thing while teaching those who may never have taken a yoga class before is quite a different experience.

I had to learn how to keep myself calm and balanced through my classes, even when I had a roomful of students who seemed to judge me. Meditating before class helped. So did reminding myself that, yes, I am a fairly new instructor and I am still learning, and that’s okay. And regardless of this, I do have valuable things to share with my students.

At first, I thought my passion for yoga, in general, was waning, but when I began to work with private clients who were dedicated and kind, I found that work to be rewarding. The lesson I learned is this: If something becomes more work than joy, pay attention. If teaching feels draining, it may be a sign to pause, reflect, and re-evaluate. If you find yourself in a situation similar to mine, stop and assess whether what you are investing your energy in is worth your time. Your instincts are often correct. Trust them.

Teaching can be an exhilarating time of self-discovery, and it can also be a time of self-doubt. Whatever your experiences, trust yourself and remember that each class is a lesson learned. Most importantly, know that your yoga journey does not end at the completion of your teacher training.

Why My Yoga Sessions is Easy and relaxing:

  • Breathe. One of the best ways to stay grounded and present in the moment is to actually breathe with the class. When I cue a pose and say “Stay here for three deep breaths,” I take those three deep breaths with the class. It’s a great way for me to manage class time and how long students have been in a pose and it also helps me stay calm and focused.
  • Smile. My Guruji reminds me constantly: smile. He says, “When you talk to me about yoga, your passion is so obvious. Your eyes light up and you smile from ear to ear. Bring that into your teaching!” In the middle of a class, it can be challenging to loosen up and remember to smile, but this is something I’m actively trying to remember each time I teach. A smile can be really powerful!
  • Be you. Perhaps the most simple, yet also most complicated lesson of all: be authentically you. Let your true self-shine. YOU bring something unique and special that only you can bring to your class. Embrace it and own it.

I realized the classes I most enjoyed teaching came from my own heart. Although I may not be as experienced a teacher as others are, there’s nothing I can do about this, apart from to keep teaching! I have, however, got 3.5 years of yoga practice to draw upon and that’s, in many ways, what makes my teaching valid and authentic.

Namaste 

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