Hello yogis, welcome to another blog of Swadhyay Yoga. Today we will be exploring the list of struggles new yoga teachers are facing in 2023. Also, we will be diving deep into how to overcome these challenges.

Yoga is an ancient practice that unifies the mind, body, and consciousness and has gained immense popularity recently. As more individuals seek yoga’s physical and mental benefits, the demand for qualified yoga teachers has soared. However, behind the serene facade and the aura of tranquility lies a hidden truth: the arduous Journey of struggles of new yoga teachers. In this emotional exploration, we delve into the top struggles these dedicated practitioners face in their quest to share the transformative power of yoga.

Embarking on the path of guiding others through the transformative Journey of yoga is a sacred calling. However, beneath the placid surface, yoga teachers face struggles that can test their resolve and passion. This heartfelt exploration delves into the emotional tapestry of their challenges and uncovers empowering solutions. Let us shine a light on the struggles of new yoga teachers and offer a compassionate embrace to the dedicated souls who embark on this noble path.

Here is the list of top struggles of new yoga teachers, including insights into my Journey with purposed solutions:

The Sacrifice of Personal Practice

Emotionally, as yoga teachers, we often find ourselves torn between our personal practice and teaching responsibilities. The demanding nature of this profession leaves us with a minimal amount of time and energy to devote to growth and self-care. In my initial days when I started, my primary passion lay in connecting with my inner self, then redirecting my focus toward students sometimes left me with a sense of emptiness and longing.

In the pursuit of sharing the profound teachings of yoga, we teachers can often find ourselves burning the candle at both ends. Trust me; these are not only the struggles of new yoga teachers; I, being experienced in this field for more than five years, still find myself doing this unconsciously. The demanding nature of the profession, along with the emotional and physical energy required to hold space for students, can lead to burnout. 

To overcome this, self-care becomes paramount. Therefore, from my experience, we must prioritize cultivating boundaries and embrace restorative practices such as meditation, mindful movement, and connecting with nature. By nurturing the flame within, we can rekindle their passion and offer their best selves to their students.

 Financial Struggles

While yoga has become a multi-billion dollar industry, many teachers face financial hardships. The majority of yoga teachers are self-employed, working part-time or on a freelance basis, which often results in an unstable income. The emotional toll of financial insecurity can be overwhelming as these dedicated practitioners strive to make ends meet while sharing their knowledge and passion with others. It can be disheartening when financial constraints hinder your ability to fully dedicate yourself to what you love. 

The financial struggles of new yoga teachers are everyday; I have struggled with this a lot; even though I was constantly teaching, I was still primarily underpaid and underappreciated, as most so-called yoga studios ran behind in generating income only rather than quality experience. Unfortunately, they are still doing this, and it has always hurt my feelings to think about the exploitation of this ancient art so drastically.

To overcome this, a shift in mindset is essential. My Journey has taken a drastic turn since I shifted my focus and perspective. I have learned that reaching out to our community and setting values for your teaching can drastically benefit; teachers can embrace abundance by diversifying their offerings, exploring online platforms, and hosting workshops and collaborations. Additionally, cultivating open conversations around money and self-worth within the yoga community can help break the stigma surrounding financial matters, leading to collective empowerment. 

Additionally, explore opportunities for online teaching, as it provides flexibility and opens up a broader audience base. Finally, by diversifying your income streams, you can balance financial stability and pursuing your passion for teaching yoga.

Balancing Time and Energy

Finding balance is one of the most widely faced struggles of new yoga teachers. Even experienced Yoga teachers frequently find themselves caught in a delicate balancing act, managing their teaching schedule, personal practice, continuing education, and personal lives. The emotional toll of constantly juggling multiple commitments can leave you with the feeling of burnout and a sense of disconnection from your training. Finding equilibrium becomes a constant battle as they yearn for the peace and harmony that drew them to yoga in the first place.

I can still recall that time when I was no longer excited about going on the mat. I was deliberately skipping my practices and just felt the disconnection. I overwhelmed myself as I was teaching many classes daily, and we were challenged physically, mentally, and energetically. Consequently, I was not able to recharge myself.

I want to mention that being new in this field, we Yoga teachers are often deeply committed to our students’ well-being, sometimes at our own expense. Burnout is a prevalent issue in yoga, with many instructors neglecting their self-care and dedication to supporting others. 

To combat burnout, prioritize self-care as an integral part of your teaching journey. Set clear boundaries, both in terms of your schedule and your energy: practice self-reflection (Swadhyay) and regular self-care rituals to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Remember, caring for yourself is not selfish but necessary for your long-term success as a yoga teacher. In fact, In yogic culture, self-care is essential as ahimsa (non-violence) is one of the rules that yogis should follow for themselves.

Constant Self-Evaluation

The emotional pressure of being a yoga teacher often involves relentless self-evaluation, which I would say is one of the most crucial struggles of new yoga teachers. We constantly analyze our teaching methods to improve and refine our skills. This fear of not being good enough or of not meeting the expectations of the students can weigh heavily on your mind. This internal struggle can hinder self-growth as we become overly critical of ourselves.

After a few years of being on my yoga journey, my life was transformed when I finally realized the importance of Swadhyay (self-introspection). I could see the clarity in my thoughts, which later took me to make better decisions for my personal and professional life. However, it’s a process; it’s not like what you have realized today will remain the same; as your consciousness expands, your perception enhances, and ultimately you leave and discard your old beliefs and take new ones. And this beautiful process goes on like this because this is the core nature of life and the universe, constantly changing and evolving with absolute involvement.

This is an internal process once all the teachers learn to establish themselves in it with utter awareness. Then, it could be possible to discard this entirely from the list of struggles of new yoga teachers. To learn more about this art, check out my other blog on the Psychology of the human mind. I have mentioned the list of hurdles one faces at the grossest level of their consciousness.

Dealing with Diverse Student Needs & Standing Out

Over these years, I have felt that Every student who walks into a yoga class brings unique experiences, abilities, and limitations. As Yoga teachers, we must cater to this diversity, ensuring that their courses are inclusive and accessible to all; However, I have also felt that The emotional burden of accommodating various needs and expectations can be overwhelming, leading to self-doubt and a constant desire to improve.

At the same time, As the popularity of yoga continues to rise, so does the competition among yoga teachers. Standing out in a saturated market can be a daunting task. While It has become essential to differentiate yourself and showcase your unique teaching style and offerings, many teachers are still unable to express themselves. Hence, this has become one of the leading struggles of new yoga teachers and old ones who want to follow the old traditional styles as they do not wish to compromise authenticity. I believe this as well that we should never forget roots. 

Therefore Sometimes, As a Yoga teacher, you may also find yourself navigating the delicate balance between meeting student expectations and staying true to their authentic teaching style. I want you to recognize that you cannot please everyone, and your unique voice and approach have immense value. These struggles of new yoga teachers can be overcome by Embracing authenticity, involving transparent communication with students, setting clear classroom intentions, and creating a safe space for open dialogue. Teachers can guide students toward embracing their journeys by providing an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

I focused on building meaningful connections with my students to overcome this struggle. So, dear new yogis, I suggest you Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Tailor your classes to cater to your target audience’s specific needs and interests. By providing exceptional experiences and cultivating a sense of community, you’ll establish a loyal following and stand out from the competition.

Emotional Support and Boundaries

Being a Yoga teacher, I often find myself in the role of confidant and mentor. Therefore, Students may approach you with personal struggles, seeking solace and guidance. Well, I won’t say that this comes under the direct struggles of new yoga teachers. While this connection is a testament to the trust we have built, it also places emotional weight on the teachers. Maintaining healthy boundaries and finding emotional support for ourselves in such situations can be challenging as we navigate the delicate balance between guiding and nurturing our students while preserving their emotional well-being.

Teaching yoga is rewarding and fulfilling but comes with its fair share of struggles. Another significant challenges, or the works of new yoga teachers, include managing their own emotions. From my personal experience, I have felt that, As yoga teachers, we constantly strive to create a serene and peaceful environment for our students while also dealing with our challenges. However, it can be emotionally draining to maintain composure and provide guidance to others when you’re grappling with your inner struggles.

To overcome this hurdle, I recommend incorporating self-care practices into your routine. Take time for yourself to recharge and replenish your energy. Engage in all those activities that bring you joy and peace, such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. By nurturing your well-being, you’ll be better equipped to support your students and create a harmonious space for everyone to thrive.

Self-Comparison And doubt of not knowing enough

during the initial days of your teaching journey, you may find it challenging to find your unique teaching style as it develops with time and experience. If this awareness is missing, Teachers may fall victim to self-comparison in a world of social media highlight reels and a growing yoga industry. The pressure to measure up to perceived ideals can dampen their confidence and self-worth and has become an added burden in the endless struggles of new yoga teachers. Cultivating self-compassion becomes crucial in this struggle. Teachers should remember that their unique Journey is incomparable, and they have special gifts to offer.

To overcome this, Engaging in self-reflection, practicing self-love, and seeking support from fellow teachers can help them break free from the shackles of comparison and embrace their authentic path. The world of yoga is ever-evolving, and if you could stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and philosophies. In addition, the constant pressure to deepen their knowledge can become fascinating over the years. Embracing growth and adaptation involves creating a supportive network of fellow teachers, attending workshops and training, and maintaining a beginner’s mindset.

Being a yoga Teacher, you must remember that growth is a lifelong journey, and you are not expected to have all the answers. However, by allowing themselves the grace to be both students and teachers, they can find joy in continual learning. Once you are confident enough to teach in your authentic style, there will be no space for comparison and self-doubt.

Navigating the Commercialization of Yoga

Over the decade, I have felt that as yoga’s popularity grows, so does its commercialization. As a result, being a Yoga teacher, it is more likely that you might face the emotional struggle of maintaining the authenticity and integrity of your practice amidst a sea of trends and fads. The pressure to conform to market demands and offer what is famous rather than accurate to your philosophy can create an internal conflict, leaving you feeling disheartened and disconnected from your purpose, especially since the guru system has vanished completely. 

Also, I would say we are left with no other choice as, In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for yoga teachers to reach a wider audience and establish their brand. However, navigating through the online world can be overwhelming for many instructors. Understanding how to optimize your website, create compelling content, and leverage social media platforms can feel like an uphill battle and has widely increased the struggles of new yoga teachers. 

Speaking from my personal experience, I was never comfortable using social media. However, the more I shared about my practice online, the urge to be seen and appreciated started to grow within me. Well, I would say this is not the new addition to the list of struggles of new yoga teachers, as is the case with almost everyone. It took me a lot of awareness and time to understand that social media is a tool, and we need to learn how to leverage it. However, we must not take it on our heads. Now I look at social media as a mare tool for enhancing my business; all social media sites are just virtual simulations and promotional tools.

I would also recommend learning the fundamentals of search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing to overcome this challenge. By optimizing your website with relevant keywords, creating valuable and informative content along with context that resonates with your target audience, and utilizing social media platforms strategically, you can enhance your online visibility and attract more students. I think these are only the struggles of new yoga teachers, as one who has built a reputation in the market has no problem targeting valuable clients. Consider enlisting the help of SEO experts who can guide you in implementing effective strategies tailored to your unique needs.

Conclusion:

Behind the tranquil facade of yoga lies the untold emotional struggles of new yoga teachers and experienced ones. From sacrificing personal practice to navigating financial instability, balancing time and energy, constant self-evaluation, catering to diverse student needs, maintaining emotional boundaries, and grappling with the commercialization of their craft, yoga teachers face numerous challenges on their path to enlightenment. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the emotional depth of their Journey, providing them with the support, recognition, and empathy they deserve.

Whosoever is reading this; please understand, Yoga teachers are the torchbearers of a profound tradition, illuminating the path for others to find inner peace and harmony. Their struggles, though often hidden from view, demand acknowledgment and compassion. These dedicated souls can find strength and resilience in their Journey by nurturing their flame, transforming their mindset, embracing authenticity, cultivating self-compassion, and embracing growth. Let us extend our support, recognition, and love to the yoga teachers who give so much of themselves in service to others. In doing so, we honor the profound healing power of yoga and empower those who hold the space for its transformative magic to unfold.

Can we truly understand and honor these unsung heroes’ immense dedication and resilience, who guide us toward inner peace and self-discovery?

FAQ’s

Is it stressful to teach yoga online?

Teaching yoga is not stressful until you are doing it passionately—especially online classes, which I think are much easier to take as compared to offline. Attention is required for a good internet connection and a gadget to take classes. In fact, it’s beneficial as teachers can save resources such as time and money, which usually get spent when you are working offline.

This is the digital era, so online workplaces are defiantly going to grow. However, long working hours might take away the charm of teaching as this work is immensely energetically demanding at physical, mental, and spiritual levels and is one of the struggles of new yoga teachers. They are much in search of work during the initial days of their career. From personal experience, if you stick to quality rather than quantity classes, you will have much more growth and satisfaction.

What is needed to become a successful yoga teacher?

First, you must complete your training and get certified by any recognized institute. There are plenty of them, such as Isha yoga, Ayush Ministry, yoga internationals, yoga alliance, etc. In India, graduation & post-graduation programs are also available to get started with teaching.

Apart from your teaching license and education, good communication skills, in-depth knowledge of your subject/niche, finding your authentic teaching style, patience for the self-practice as well as teachings, and genuine interest in your own, as well as student’s spiritual growth is the top most inclusions a yoga instructor should have to lead a successful career. 

How can I teach yoga online, and which platforms are good to start teaching?

In India, many platforms are popular t where you can register yourself as a yoga teacher, and you will be provided with the leads to contact those looking for classes. I started my Journey with Urban Pro; It’s a good platform you can start with. You can also explore platforms like Teachable and register with Udemy to sell your pre-recorded courses.

For international clients, websites such as Upwork and Fiver are one of my favorites. You can also find plenty of freelance job opportunities on these websites. Teaching yoga online is no longer on the list of the struggles of new yoga teachers as the digital and tech era has made it easy for people to reach a wider public with the touch of the screen.