The Biggest Challenge for Most Yoga Teachers? Taking Class.

When I started teaching yoga, I went on a full-blown ego trip each time I took someone else’s class. Instead of being in my body, I was stuck in teacher-brain mode and too busy evaluating and critiquing to actually settle into my own practice.

Sometimes I sat there the entire time grading the teacher in my head. That cue was good. That transition was sloppy. I’d never sequence it like that. Other times I left feeling irritated, even angry, because class wasn’t what I’d wanted or expected.

Eventually, I realized that if I kept approaching classes like this, I’d never get to be a student again. I wasn’t getting much out of my practice, and to be frank, I didn’t like the version of me that showed up in those mental rants. So I made a decision: from then on, I’d find something to like in every yoga class I took.

Because if we’re honest, we can get something out of every single class as a student. Even when the teacher repeats the same phrase what seems like a hundred times, barely preps the class for the peak pose, or the music is so loud you can barely hear the cues.

Yoga teaches us to sit in discomfort and to notice strong feelings without getting swept away by them. Sometimes the irritation itself—and discerning how to navigate and detach from it— is the practice. Sometimes there is something helpful that you can take away—whether a phrase or a transition or an adjustment—that helps you become a better student and, quite possibly, teacher.

These days, when I find myself in one of those situations, I focus on trying to notice how frustration shows up in my body. It’s not pleasant. But it’s presence. And I remind myself, This is still practice. I’m moving, I’m breathing, I’m learning. 

Sometimes that means embracing a class I don’t love. Sometimes it means catching my ego when a teacher gives a “basic” cue and my brain screams, I already know this. And sometimes it means being surprised by how much better my practice feels when I just shut up and listen.

It’s an approach that I’ve been trying for the last few years and it’s not easy. The snarky me especially struggles when I refuse to jump on the teacher’s ego trip. Here’s what I’ve learned so far.

Sometimes you’re going to hate it
The music isn’t your vibe, the sequencing feels off, or the class just doesn’t click for you. Congratulations! You just practiced sitting with something you didn’t like. That’s yoga, too.

Sometimes you’ll get exactly what you need
A cue that lands differently. An assist that shifts everything. Or simply the gift of not having to lead class for once so you can (try) to be present with yourself as a student. Accept it even if you don’t love it.

Releasing judgment—and being a student—makes your teaching better
If you only practice with your favorites, your classes start to sound like theirs. Branching out—even with teachers you don’t vibe with—helps your own teaching evolve.

At the end of the day, taking yoga class as a teacher can be messy. Sometimes you’re judgy. Sometimes you’re humbled. Sometimes you’re just grateful for Savasana. But every time, you’re reminded of the point: yoga isn’t about doing only what you like. It’s about showing up, with your ego, your resistance, and your breath and practicing anyway.