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The New Teacher Blues


After months of assisting, continued study, and thinking about teaching yoga, I finally decided it was time to teach my own class. I've been so excited about this class—a class designed specifically for teens at a really rad yoga studio near my apartment—that I could barely contain myself.

I spent weeks preparing—studying up on how to connect with teenagers, planning sequences for all levels (then back-up sequences for those), perfecting my cues and adjustments. I thought I had everything covered. I went to the studio on a rainy Monday afternoon, unlocked the studio door, swept the floors, and got the lighting just right... and I waited... and waited... and waited.

Every few minutes I'd hear a noise, glance a hopeful gaze toward the small rectangular window in the studio's door only to be disappointed. I thought to myself, "It must've just been the rain."

What's a yoga teacher to do when nobody shows up for her first real class at a real yoga studio? What would you do all by yourself in a room full of yoga props?

Of course, I went to the prop wall and got down four bolsters, five blankets, two blocks, a strap, and an eye pillow and set myself up in the most luxurious Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) you could imagine in the middle of the empty studio&mdashjust under a gorgeous skylight so I could hear the rain drip down. Then, I began to ponder how on earth I was going to get the word out about my class.

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Comments

Ah, yes, the empty class room. I too just recently had that situation, just started teaching as well. First class and nobody showed up. First I was uneasy, but then, I have to say, there is nothing like doing your home practice in a beautiful spacious studio rather than right next to your couch. I don't know how many handstands and headstands I did that evening, not to mention all the sun salutations. So much space and by the time I was done with my "class" I felt much better. The students will come, I hope - and you give me, and other new teachers that hope. Thank you so much for sharing and being 100% honest throughout your blog!

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