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When there is turbulence in the world, it can be a delicate balance for yoga teachers as we discern the difference between knowing what to say and knowing when to remain silent. Whether the conflict is political, social or global, I think it is important for us to help hold space for all emotions, opinions and ways of being.
Over the years, I’ve thought about ways to create a safe space during turbulent times, while realizing that I’m not a licensed therapist. So I wanted to share some of the ways I’ve learned to show up for students without needing answers or inviting anger or conflict into the classroom. Here are some principles I follow when trying to toe that line.
11 approaches to holding space as a yoga teacher
1. Leave your politics at the door.
The yoga room is intended to be safe and sacred for everyone. Our role as teachers is not to share our personal opinions or try to find out what students want to say from us. Just offer what you always do: practicing yoga. The act of moving, breathing, and turning inward will impact students in ways that words cannot.
2. Encourage students to set an intention for their practice.
It can be easy to feel like we need to offer students pearls of wisdom. That is not our responsibility. As yoga teachers, our role is to share a practice that provides space for self-reflection. Consider taking a quiet moment at the beginning of the lesson and suggesting that students create their own intention for their practice, perhaps providing a few one-word examples. This gives students the space to become more self-aware and to ask themselves what they need most at that moment.
It may also be helpful to recognize that if an intention does not come to the student, there is no need to force it.
3. Channel your emotions.
Emotions are part of the human condition. Remind yourself and perhaps the students that it is never wrong to experience strong feelings, even if they are feelings that society considers “negative.” When you’re feeling incredibly angry and trying to lead a class, channel that determination into creating a Warrior Dance that students can connect with and feel the fire of transformation.
4. Be honest.
It’s okay to let your students know that you’re struggling a little emotionally. You can simply say that life has been challenging without sharing too much. Show them that you are human.
5. Practice self-care.
Make your own practice and other forms of self-care a priority so that you can offer your teachings from a centered, non-reactive place. If necessary, take a few minutes to learn to ground yourself and feel fully present in your own body before instructing others how to move their bodies. If your emotions are running high and your finances allow it, consider outsourcing your lessons until you feel more comfortable.
6. Make room for all your students’ emotions.
Let students experience what is going on in their lives. Someone may need to shed tears and there is nothing you can do about that situation. Someone else may feel the need to laugh or smile because there are still reasons to find joy even in the face of devastating acts. Happiness and pain can coexist in our hearts and are not mutually exclusive.
7. Do what feels authentic to you… within reason.
I was teaching yoga the day after the 2016 election. At the beginning of the class, I simply asked if we could take a moment to ask for peace. Students shouted, “Yes, please.”
There is no need to engage in bipartisan politics or “us” versus “them” thinking. We just need to remind students that peace starts from within.
8. Be sensitive to everyone.
We may think of our yoga communities as local. But we are all human and part of a global community. We show each other respect by recognizing our similarities and, when appropriate, celebrating our differences. Be sensitive to everyone’s unique experiences and avoid making comments that are judgmental of any group.
9. Bring everyone’s attention to the breath.
If students seem to be breathing shallowly, make your breathing audible and invite students to do the same instead of telling them to breathe deeper. Just breathe together as one.
10. Minimize your alignment cues.
No one likes to be reminded that he or she is doing something wrong, especially when emotions are running high. You may want to reduce the verbal cues and corrections you offer and simply allow students to move and be with their practice.
11. Remember why you wanted to learn yoga.
That feeling you experienced when you attended your first yoga class? Consider setting that as your intention as you teach. Then give space to the practice of yoga to hold each individual, as it has been so beautiful for centuries.
This article has been updated. Originally published on November 18, 2016.
About our contributor
Desi Bartlett MS CPT E-RYT is an expert in women’s health and an internationally published author. For more information visit desibartlett.com