It is such a wonderful time to take another yoga class and just be a student again. To enjoy the flow you did not plan. The music you didn’t compile. Listening to cues that do not feel old and repeated.
Not too long ago I attended a yoga class thinking it wouldn’t be a big deal. I texted my coworker, excited I had the time to drop in to her class. I was familiar with this teacher, we taught back-to-back classes so we chatted every week.
But during her class her energy felt off. The class was a bit disjointed. Sadly, it wasn’t as enjoyable as I had hoped it would be.
Later she explained she felt intimidated. She let the fact that I have more training crawl its way into her mind and question everything she had planned.
When Another Teacher Takes Your Class
This isn’t the time to panic. When another teacher takes your class it’s another opportunity to offer the gift of yoga. Rather than compare yourself to them, their training, their style, or their flexibility … this is a time to shift the mindset that you need to prove your worth and value to your studio. You are enough!
It’s not about you at all! I know it feels like everything you have planned is being questioned, but trust me – it’s not! It’s an hour they get to enjoy yoga for themselves again. You have a beautiful opportunity to extend a quiet space for them to enjoy. Just like every other student, they want to be able to savor the practice.
I have been in this position before. My boss occasionally comes into my class. I’m not worried she’s evaluating me, I already auditioned and was hired for the job! This is my gift to her. She wants to participate and trusts me to guide her.
I have another teacher friend who pops into my class, less often. I’m not trying to show off my party tricks when she is there. Instead I feel honored she spends an hour trusting me to offer a quality yoga class. The same way I approach all my classes. I have former teachers take my classes too.
And honestly, if they don’t like your class, that’s okay too! There was a teacher who showed up to my class because other students raved about me. Curiosity got the best of her and she showed up for a class. She thanked me and that was that. Weeks later I brought it up to the students who suggested she go. They nervously looked around and I could tell, she didn’t have nice things to say about my class.
Thankfully, it didn’t impact the students because they keep showing up. But that teacher never showed up again. She didn’t get what she needed, and that’s perfectly okay. It doesn’t change what I offer.
You can’t please everyone. Even other yoga teachers. Thankfully that’s the beauty of yoga. We are not cookie cutters of each other. We all offer something different. I can’t say I’m a big fan of some teachers’ styles. It doesn’t mean they are “bad teachers”, it just means I’m not a fan of how they teach.
Yoga is a Gift
I am thankful to be part of a teaching community. Teacher friends who show up to each other’s classes, chat about transitions and themes, encourage each other when it’s been a hard day or someone said something odd.
So the next time a teacher shows up at your class, rather than go straight to freak out mode – start to see it as a gift. Karma Yoga. This is the time you get to play at gift giving. See it for what it truly is; an opportunity, a blessing, to give back to your own community.
Not a comparison. Not an evaluation. But a unique moment to refill another teacher’s cup.
From my mat to yours,
Stef