Image from Unsplash
As more time passes, I am more inclined to no longer interact with other Yoga teachers like I used to. Mostly because I haven’t taught it for almost a year and am happy to no longer do so. Although I still practice, the industry itself has become too toxic and harmful for me.
While I am very grateful for every student I met, every teacher that I encountered and every studio that I taught for, I am a lot happier leaving that career behind.
As I look back on my time as a Yoga teacher, I can see clear lessons that I might’ve had more insight on if I had been warned about. Mostly with regards to dealing with studios and teachers. This specific article is dedicated to what I wish I had known when dealing with other Yoga teachers:
1. They (just like you) are not perfect.
I spent my time as a student putting teachers up on a pedestal and treating them as mini-celebrities. Many inspired me to grow and evolve as a person and for that, I am forever grateful.
However, when I became a teacher (myself), I would feel uncomfortable being put on a pedestal like I had previously done to others because I am not above anyone. I, just like everyone else, am learning and growing. So when I encountered teachers who behave as though they are above others, it would be disappointing.
I have seen some teachers abuse students, lie, steal and emotionally abuse people for their own gain. In the beginning, that used to upset me but then I realized that they are human and we are all capable of mistakes and wrongdoings- all of which deserves accountability.
2. They are your colleagues; not your friends.
As with all industries, there is a sense of competition in The Yoga Industry. Some of it is healthy and some of it is toxic. With all competition comes a winner and a loser and, it can be difficult to make friends with people who are competing for the number one spot with you.
When I started teaching Yoga, I felt a need to be kind, loyal and courteous to my colleagues until I realized that it wasn’t being rewarded to me. I noticed that a lot of the ‘kumbaya’ attitude was applied to certain circumstances and not a lifestyle. Which is alright; however, it made me distance myself from a lot and open my eyes to the realization that a lot of the industry is about a facade.
3. Be willing to say no.
I used to teach at the same studio with a particular teacher who would continuously substitute her classes. In fact, sometimes she would teach after me and ask me right after I had come from teaching the class before her.
In the spirit of needing to get along and keep the peace, I would say yes. Until one day, I found myself developing resentment towards her.
I looked at myself and faced the truth that I had not set proper boundaries and decided to do so moving forward even if she retaliated and called me names for doing so. Of course, when I did, she gave me backlash like I expected but that is on her.
There is a sincere lack of boundaries in The Yoga industry and I will only be contributing to it if I allow people to treat me with disrespect when it is not fair to me or anyone else to do so.
