A few months ago, I had a conversation with a yoga teacher (I’ll call her Kay) who told me she was seriously thinking about throwing in the towel and getting a “real” job.
She said that during COVID her students disappeared and she felt abandoned – like everyone was just happy to do Yoga with Adriene on YouTube, and forget about her classes. She wanted to go back to teaching but was feeling pessimistic.
I get it.
This has been a crazy time for yoga teachers (and everyone of course). Still, I encouraged her not to give up. She’s a good teacher and there are many people out there who need what she offers – she just needed a better strategy for connecting with them.
I gave her a simple piece of advice – “Your students need YOU, not Adriene.”
The reality is that it doesn’t matter if you’re not that athletic, or haven’t been teaching very long, or don’t know everything about anatomy, or you’re not very flexible. What matters is that you are sincere, you are dedicated, you keep studying, and basically, you keep being authentically you.
That’s all.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not throwing Adriene under the bus – she has helpled many people gain access to yoga. She’s done a ton of service, and she uses her fame ethically. She’s a trained actor and her skills have served her quite well in her role.
Kay said to me, “How can I possibly compete with a trained actor?”
Well, you can’t.
And there’s no reason to.
Because you have something with your students that Adriene doesn’t have – a relationship.
And relationships, especially in the wake of COVID are so important, they are the most sought-after, human gift you can offer.
Any serious, and even most casual yoga students, eventually figure out that they need a relationship with a teacher. In fact, it lies at the heart of any successful practice.
Yoga is about developing clearer and healthier relationships with yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your community, and your higher power. When you have a relationship with your students, you offer them something completely unique, something that they can’t get from anyone else.
There are lots of creative and productive ways to have relationships with your students – in person, online, one on one, in groups.
And here, it’s worth remembering that good relationships work when there are healthy boundaries.
As a teacher, meeting with students regularly either in person or online, is an important way to help them improve their understanding and practice of yoga, but you don’t have to invite them to dinner every week, or talk to them on the phone every day, or act as their therapist – that’s not your role. Your role is to give yoga guidance within a mutually agreed upon, healthy relationship.
So how do you foster these relationships in a way that supports both of you and is healthy?
Here are 3 keys:
- Get Email Addresses
Make sure you have your students’ email addresses – as well as their phone number and physical address if possible.
Before COVID, Kay never thought much about collecting email addresses. She had some regulars and they had a good relationship, but she didn’t have a plan for keeping in touch with them when COVID hit. Wherever you teach, this is rule number one – make sure you can always contact your students.
Then you can send them simple emails or more elaborate newsletters with ideas, quotes, photos, articles, videos, and yoga tips. You can also let them know where and when you are teaching.
This is the first step in having a healthy relationship with your students. When you have their email, you can keep in touch with them and let them know that you care about them and want them to be healthy and happy, even for the weeks (or months in the case of COVID) that you won’t see them.
2. Define Yourself and Your Teaching
People need to know who you are and what happened on your life’s journey that brought you to yoga. Kay had depression as a young person and used yoga to lift herself out of it. That’s huge, powerful, and interesting. When people feel a connection with you and can relate to your experience, then they begin to value your skills.
Kay did not define herself or her offerings and this was a part of her problem.
When I asked her who she likes to teach she said, “Oh I just teach yoga for everybody.”
While I truly believe in the power of yoga to help and transform all of humanity, putting “Yoga for Everybody” on your website, newsletter, or flyer, is basically the same thing as offering “Yoga for Nobody.” It doesn’t speak to anyone.
You need a stake in the ground that tells people – “Look! This is what I do! And isn’t it wonderful? And don’t you want to do this with me?” That stake also tells folks, or at least implies, “And this is what I don’t do.”
It can take a while to get there.
I spent many years toodling around – teaching here and there, not really clear about who I was as a teacher and what I wanted to share, just going with the flow and trying to emulate other teachers I saw who were successful. It was fine at the time. But eventually, I began to understand that I needed to put my stake down.
When I started to clarify my vision back in 2003-2004, things began to shift for me. I realized that I wanted to work with folks on improving their mental health and later, the health of their brain and nervous system. I also love working with folks with chronic conditions. As I started to get clearer, I found the appropriate trainings and my teaching improved.
Slowly, I began to feel really good about what I was doing. And I stopped feeling jealous of other teachers. In fact, I started feeling happy for them and their successes. I realized that what they did was filling a certain niche and thank goddess I don’t have to fill that niche or be everyone’s yoga teacher.
What a relief!
As I got clearer about what I offer, students felt more confident about working with me and my business grew.
3. Purpose (Dharma) and Faith (Śraddhā)
There are lots of ways to make a living, but if you are called to teach, if you think it’s part of your dharma, then you have been given a rare and precious gift. The work is in developing ways to share your dharma that don’t burn you out, destroy your self-esteem or relationships, or prevent you from earning a decent living.
When you work on having faith in the process, faith in yourself, and faith in your higher power, everything gets less stressful. If you want to teach but also need to earn a living, then you need good guidance and appropriate business skills. The tools to reach people are out there – seek them out and learn to use them. Have faith in your path and faith in the people who sincerely wish to help you.
Faith also helps you look at setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures – and that is huge! I can’t even begin to catalog all the ways I’ve screwed up over the years – but I kept getting back up on that darn horse – with more skills each time.
Kay didn’t quit, she’s out there teaching and getting clearer about her work. Her students are slowly finding her and she now actively reaches out to them with regular emails.
She told me that she made a major shift in her thinking. “I’m not thinking about myself and how I don’t have many students anymore. Instead, I’m focused on how much joy I get from teaching and how much I love them and am grateful for them. The funny thing is now that I’ve let go of the crazy idea that Yoga with Adriene destroyed my teaching, more people are starting to come back. I can’t blame Adriene, I can only follow my own path.”
Bingo.
If you’d like to study with me each week, please check out The Subtle Yoga Resilience Society – it’s a really fun group of extraordinary folks and we’re having a sale through the end of the month.
CHAIR YOGA FOR YOUR BRAIN & NERVOUS SYSTEM
SUBTLE® YOGA FOR ENHANCING TRAUMA RECOVERY
Five Ways Yogic Meditation Benefits Your Brain – eBook
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Wonderful tips that are so true. Authenticity first and foremost. I have made more relationships than I would have pre-COVID by teaching on line and the ones I had pre-COVID are deeper and truer. My classes are small but those who attend are getting what they need. I am enjoying it too! That is the bottom line. If we are no longer loving what we are doing we need to assess why…knowing if we need to change what we are doing it is okay too.
Thankyou Carol. I’m so glad you have found your peeps!
Gotta say .. this article made me sad and went against the wonder of yoga vibe I thought “was the point”.
I agree that in person is better for most people and things. I also agree that just because it’s on the internet, doesnt make it true or good…
However, yoga with Adriene provides an abundance of joy and a starting off point for so many of us on our journey of movement … especially during this taxing year.
I support in-person work and trainers … your people will be your people. You dont need to put others down to build yourself up.
you may wish to review what I wrote.
I agree with what you wrote, but I wish you hadn’t called it out as “Adrienne”, because if someone doesn’t read it all through they may be take it as a polarizing statement, of us against them. We need less of that in the world, and especially not in yoga.
I actually call my yoga, Yoga for Every Body, saying we can adjust to where you are. I know the people that are drawn to super athletic, aren’t necessarily my regulars, but they still show up to get in touch with their bodies.
That’s lovely Nancy – I’m glad that it’s working out for you!
Your advice was so wise & good. The relationship really is important and defining your teaching style. I haven’t taught in over a year – I moved to a different State – and I miss every thing about it. Tanks for the nudge to get back on my mat, offer my services and build relationships again.
Namaste & may God richly bless you!
Thank you for the nudge to get back on my mat, offer my services and build relationships. I moved from Hawaii to Portland and haven’t taught in over a year. I miss everything about teaching, yoga, & nurturing my students. Your advice is full of wisdom.
Namaste & may God richly bless you.
You’ve done it again Kristine! Written passionately and with great clarity on something I was just thinking about😊 I was have a conversation with another teacher who was wondering how she could compete with online studios offering umpteen classes for less than €20 a month. I told her “you can’t compete on price but you care about your students and that matters”. I will share your article too! Thank you as always for your kind and wise words.
PS I think I recognise one of the photos! It looks like our beautiful practice room from the retreat you did in Ireland a couple of years ago. Wonderful to be reminded of that special weekend.
I haven’t been teaching live or online for over 14 months now. Had a fairly good following at the fitness center where I had taught for over ten years.
One of my students, in her sixties ( I am in my mid-70’s, ERYT 500), txt me a month ago and asked if I could please, please return and that “people are missing you”. We txt back and forth over the next couple weeks with her continuing to encourage me to return.
I told her that I am not sure and might be “traveling on” pursuing an ongoing interest in my QiGong practices.
She txt replied and said “You are too good of a teacher not to be teaching”.
Wow! Feeling so appreciated and seen!!!
I txt her back saying, how about if I create a new offering titled “Radiant Fitness” employing yoga, QiGong, and a few physical fitness things?
Thank you for reminding me that my teaching is not just to have some income from it. It really does serve others besides your own unique being!
That’s so inspiring Richard and a perfect illustration of what I’m talking about her. It’s so lovely that you have this unique relationship with your students. I hope you go back soon, they are going to be so happy to learn from you again! I love the idea of your new offering!
Thank you! I have been pondering whether I want to keep teaching, wherever I have anything to offer, that people can just get their yoga elsewhere. This gives me a lot of food for thought and came just at the right time!
Thanks Tracie. I hope you do decide to keep teaching – the world needs people like you sharing your gifts!
Thank you Kristine! I have already taught a unique class that those who attend just love. Somtimes it is difficult to convey the benefits of what I teach. Your help is so appreciated.
Thank you Susan. Yes, I can relate. And as you know I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to help my students understand the benefits. The good news is that the tide is turning and people are becoming more and more interested in this type of yoga. It’s inspiring!
Kristine you’re a shining light! Thank you for all that you do. Lovely to see the Sligo picture on there too!
Thank you Maria – that was a very special experience for me and you all made it possible. I was so happy to be there and hope I can return sometime!
Hi Kristine,
Well I have had many of the unreal experiences that you teach about but I have only in this year learned they are teachable moments and I can learn so much from them, as I do from you. Because of the Resilience Society I learned more about internet and on line practice and more about on line teaching. I found Adriene once and knew it wasn’t for me but know others benefit. I have maintained connection to a a dozen students who say thanks for staying connected and doing this for us because they like the practice, the presence and commitment. I express my gratitude to them being there to support me as an audience and class. I had to learn to go on line to maintain my personal practice. Some far away students re joined. Some were reluctant to take on line but when we went back to the studios this month they were right there. It is a small but committed cluster. I am aware how important it is to have addresses which I didn’t have….you put words to it!
I started yoga 20 years ago and pursued being a teacher with the intention of weekly and almost daily practice for good health outcomes -health and wellbeing…. I tried a number of yogas and not know how to express my frustration with the different styles you gave me words these recent years and courage to choose. I have found comfort in realizing its ok to not do fitness exercise yoga and rather pursue yoga for mental health and nervous system and chakras defining my intention. I love the content– little lessons generally about the other limbs and have gotten stronger in my regular practice of these and students love it. Recently I gave some content on “letting go” based on a poem in Gabrielle Harris about Yin and it turns out she is from New Zealand and so my next content may be about our ” interconnectedness” . YO! And I maybe have told you I was inspired to start a new yoga class for a group of women in residential program and I learned after the fact that that happens sometimes after you do “self study”. Today one of the young women asked how to contact me to do yoga when she completes the program this July. again info to health care professionals and shared addresses. so many lessons-so little time. YO! again. With Gratitude, Carol B
So great that your students have you Carol – you are a true maverick with so many skills to share. Thank you for doing such great work!
Thank you for this well timed piece. Next week, I am closing my small yoga studio, after seven wonderful years, & doing a big ‘Tree change”, moving about 500km away. I’m having a couple of months away from teaching then hope to start again in spring (Australia). I have a lovely space in my new home that will become my new yoga studio but I’m a little worried about starting all over again with new students. I love teaching gentle yoga & yoga for seniors, so I’m hoping I can connect with my new community & share the joys of yoga with them. Thanks so much for all the encouragement, Namaste 🙂
Congrats on your life change Carmel – it sounds wonderful! I am sure you will find a new community – people need good yoga everywhere!
I love this it’s so encouraging and helpful! Thank you!
Thanks Stephanie!
I couldn’t agree more with every word. I am in the UK. we have just returned to yoga classes after 16 months of not being allowed. It’s like starting all over again but I did do some online and the relationship I have with my yogis is amazing. Before class I would talk to them via zoom as I would in class. We kept each other going. They have stuck by me and I am very grateful.
Kristine, Reading this took me back to sitting on the floor of that little studio so many years ago beginning my journey as a yoga teacher. It took me a long time and many Adrienes to figure out that my students needed me – a me that continued to learn, practice and share my authentic self. As your student of many years I am grateful that you continue to share your love and knowledge so passionately. The world needs you. Namaste my friend.
Oh thank you so much Laurie, this really warms my heart. Your training was the first one I did outside of Asheville and your cohort was so special. I’m so grateful that you are teaching and have found your people!
I just went back to teaching yoga via various medias (senior center, in the park, wine and yoga, Zoom) and my numbers are small. My hubby asked me if it was worth my time when only one or two students signed up. I just related the starfish story and said, “I helped that one!”
Yes! My husband often reminds me of the starfish too. And things are always changing. Sometimes when my classes have been small, it’s given me the opportunity to focus on my practice and my studies.
Yes, it’s such a lovely way to look at it. thanks Donna!
OMG Meeee toooo!
I was sure I was ready to quit teaching yoga forever and just teach meditation after 2020. When a local studio opened near me and an old client of mine recommended me to the owner for her senior class, I took the job and have been reinvigorated!
I hated teaching online. No one showed up and I couldn’t see them if they did, and I couldn’t connect. And now I too just feel so much gratitude for each and every student that comes to my few classes and for the chance to teach again live and in person! I had forgotten how much not only do I love practicing Subtle yoga but teaching it and sharing it with others blesses me so much too!
Thanks for all you do Kristine!
That’s so wonderful Lea! I’m so glad you are teaching again!
Dear Kristine, it´s always worth to read you. Congratulation and thank you for offering your experience which is priceless value.
Thank you Maria!!!
Your piece on you are you, spoke to me. I giggled about Yoga with Adriene because my oldest daughter follows her and introduced me to her videos. She’s quite entertaining. She would rather do yoga with her than me and that is ok with me because I am not Adriene. I am sixty one now have been teaching yoga since I turned 55, when I completed by 200 hour yoga training. I teach once a week. My classes are small and intimate. I spent time during the week following wonderful yoga instructors/teachers, like you, Kristine. I am constantly learning the benefits of yoga. I follow many great teachers. Yoga has helped me with depression and despair. I’ve learned through studies with you, how yoga impacts the nervous system, why I felt better doing yoga. I love sharing that with my students. Thank you, for being you!
Thank you Terresa – I love your attitude toward learning (and life)!
“The reality is that it doesn’t matter if you’re not that athletic, or haven’t been teaching very long, or don’t know everything about anatomy, or you’re not very flexible. What matters is that you are sincere, you are dedicated, you keep studying, and basically, you keep being authentically you.” This paragraph right here describes me to a Tee! I have to remember this when I don’t have many students. For each class, I bring my all. I have a full-time job as an elementary school teacher. Luckily, that pays the bills, I teach Yoga because I believe in the practice. I enjoy teaching seniors and I try to take as many trainings for this population as I can. I have only been doing yoga for 5 years and have been an instructor for 3 years; I dove right in. Thank you for writing this, I am sincere, dedicated and continue to go to trainings. Again Thank you for this.
good for you Marlene! You are doing great work – keep it up!