Mentoring is the Missing Key

Why Mentoring is the Missing Key in Yoga

The Good News: More and more people are participating in Yoga Teacher Trainings.

Not-As-Good News: This isn’t resulting in stronger and more prepared yoga teachers out there in the world. In fact, teachers are now coming to me with more burn out, frustration and uncertainty than ever before.

Why ? 

In my opinion ( and I could be wrong on this) it is because as a whole, we have gotten away from both the how and heart of how one becomes an excellent yoga teacher. We’ve abandoned the traditional approach in favor of something quicker and more convenient. 

Sounds a bit bleak– I know, stay with me! There is a way through.

The Traditional Approach to Becoming a Yoga Teacher

Yoga has been around for thousands of years. We can unequivocally agree that it has been around for a looooooong time, far longer than 200 hour YTTs as we know them today. So, when I say “traditionally” I am referring to past decades and even centuries of yoga teaching. 

The 200 hour YTT as we know it today is a new approach. And while I am so appreciative of this approach because it has made diving deeper into Yoga so much more accessible for so many, I do think this is an important note to acknowledge.

Traditionally, if you were interested in becoming a yoga teacher, you would seek an experienced teacher and ask to be taught. Three times. They would ask and be turned away three times. This was to show the teacher that the student was serious about learning and the dedication was there. Then, if the student was still there after being turned away three times, the teacher would agree, traditionally, the student would live with the teacher and be guided in their practice everyday. This is called the Guru Kula system of living with your teacher. When the teacher felt that you were ready to teach, you would be sent out into the world.

The teacher would not only show how they plan and outline a class, but also have the student (now aspiring teacher) with them as they taught. Slowly, the teacher would entrust more responsibility to the aspiring teacher as they were ready for it. The teacher and student work closely together– discussing philosophy and practical application. If the aspiring teacher had a question arise they had a clear and direct system for who to ask about it. Both parties were able to discuss how to handle that particular situation and how to approach similar scenarios in the future.

This approach is grounded in a gradual release of responsibility and a clear system of support learning and growth. 

The Current Approach to Becoming a Yoga Teacher

Currently the general method for becoming a yoga teacher is this:

1. Research and select a YTT that feels right– maybe based on cost, convenience, alignment with the course, or any other reason that feels right.

2. Complete requirements of the 200 hour YTT to graduate.

3. Head out into the yoga teaching world, cross your fingers, and hope for the best!

Of course, this is a simplistic version, but the core is true. New teachers are more often than not left to their own devices to figure it out. There is no clear system of support, and that leaves many new teachers floundering and wondering what the next step is.

Many teachers never really begin teaching. They apply at a few studios and without experience, have a hard time finding classes to teach. Those who choose to stick around tend to sign up for another training– perhaps a 300 hour YTT or another advanced training– but this doesn’t address the root of the issue.

Yes, the knowledge gained from those trainings is incredibly valuable. I love and have been a part of many, many trainings myself. But what is really needed is practice. Teaching practice, feedback on your teaching and guidance through the religion and mistakes that are made along the way.

The only way to become a great yoga teacher is TO TEACH.

How Mentorship Helps New Teachers and The Yoga Community

Seeking out and taking part in a mentorship as a new yoga teacher is both terrifying and empowering. Like everything in life, these mentorships have a ripple effect. The mentor yoga teacher will be impacted, the studio will be impacted, the students will be impacted, and the community as a whole will be impacted!

A mentorship as a new teacher allows for increased confidence, as you are actively choosing to work with and learn from someone who you admire and feel connected to. This helps to increased longevity as a teacher. → This impacts studio owners because they are building a safe and consistent community for their students.

A mentorship is continued learning. If you complete your YTT and then hop into teaching without support or a mentorship it can feel as if you are applying your knowledge, but mostly simply trying not to make too many mistakes and just make it to the next class. That cycle continues as you work so hard to get your footing as a teacher. Mentorship opens up space to apply your knowledge and continue to actively learn. → Learning isn’t a one-way street; as mentors and mentees discuss and work through all aspects of teaching yoga, both are actively engaging in the learning process. Effective yoga teachers understand that they are are continually learning and evolving– this work together is massively important in that.

A mentorship allows new and aspiring teachers to build confidence. The sense of security that comes from a partnership with a mentor and mentee allows the new teacher to gain experience and increase their confidence as an instructor. → This increased confidence translates directly to the student experience. Students will feel that confident energy as the teacher holds the space. This allows for students to fully surrender to and immerse themselves in their own experience

Yoga Teacher Training is just the start. Growing and strengthening our practices together as continual students and teachers is where the real magic happens.

Experienced Yoga Teachers: Cheers to being part of the change and supporting new yoga teachers as we welcome them into the fold! 

New and Aspiring Yoga Teachers: Cheers to seeking out mentorship and embracing all the learning and growth that comes along with it.