Ignite Your Inner Flame: The Power of Maintaining a Personal Practice as a Yoga Teacher
As yoga teachers we know the essence of our practice lies in self-discovery and growth. Maintaining a personal practice in this journey is essential: just as a flame needs a steady source of fuel to burn bright, our practice nourishes and sustains us as teachers whilst igniting the spark that inspires and guides our students.
Yet for so many teachers maintaining this momentum amidst demands and distractions can be a stretch. If you, like to so many of us, struggle to maintain this momentum, it may help to remember why personal practice is so key:
Embodied presence: it is through our own journey on the mat that we deepen our felt understanding of yoga. By immersing ourselves in our personal practice we cultivate an intimate relationship with both ourselves - our bodies, minds and energetic selves - and with this wonderful practice we call yoga.
Humble reminder: when we engage in our own practice, we encounter the same challenges and triumphs that our students face on their own paths. We experience firsthand the moments of frustration, doubt, the limitations of our own body and uncertainty that can arise, reminding us of our vulnerably. These humbling experiences become invaluable tools in our teaching arsenal, allowing us to empathise with our students and offer guidance from a place of firsthand understanding.
Exploration and curiosity. A dedicated personal practice (either alone or through another teacher) also keeps our teaching fresh and alive. As we try out new postures, delve into different styles, or experiment with pranayama and meditation, we infuse our classes with the energy of exploration and discovery. The enthusiasm that arises from our own practice can be contagious, breathing life into our teaching and inspiring our students to approach their practice with curiosity, courage and an open heart.
Ultimately, our personal practice is a testament to our commitment to yoga and its transformative potential. By embodying the teachings, we live the practice - and our students can feel this authenticity.
Our presence alone can uplift, motivate, and empower others, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the confines of the mat.