The why and how of teaching. A personal reflection

Over the years I have had the opportunity to teach in different yoga studios and host classes on my own accord by renting a space or having students that are friendly enough to open their houses to me and the other students.

Additionally to the different spaces and places I have also been lucky to teach in various studios in different countries where the classes were full, up to 30 students per class, but also smaller, fixed groups that have stayed with me for several years. I have been lucky to assist multiple teachers and observe how they teach. Most of all I am so lucky to have my regular teachers who inspire me again and again, to become the best teacher I can be for my students. However my students always remind me to stay humble as I am also the student of my students.

I consider myself lucky to have started yoga and teaching at a young age and have been able to take my time (literally 15 years) to experiment and experience different ways of teaching and reflecting on the way I would like to teach (of course, it will be an ongoing process).

During the last year of COVID I experienced sort of a pinnacle moment of reflection over all of my years of teaching. On the one hand it felt like a dip. Classes had stopped completely. Even online classes were on hold, as students were tired of spending too much time on the computer, myself included.

At times there were doubts about whether I would or should even start teaching again.

At the same time I had a lot of time to dedicate to my practice. More specifically my meditation and Hatha yoga practice. This kept me inspired, focussed en receptive.

During this time I came to a decision to offer a way of teaching that feels most honest and true to what Yoga means to me. It is very hard to put into words, but I will try to explain.

I have nothing to sell, I only have something to offer and share. My classes are available to those who are truly curious about knowing themselves and are ready to commit to the path of self exploration.

We are multidimensional beings and a yoga practice should involve practices that feed all levels of being, not only our physical body.

Student and teacher should have a relationship, a connection and mutual respect that is built over a longer period of time.

Group classes are small enough to really connect to each student during every class and there is space for real interaction.

Group classes are based on self practice, which means that each student has an individual practice that is built over time. I believe that this develops independence and promotes self exploration and creativity.

Instead of Introduction courses or guided (led) classes I offer Private Yoga classes.

Every single person is different and aside from the obvious reasons such as injuries or health issues I find that most people need some level of customisation of their practice.

Private Yoga classes are wonderful for various reasons:

Student and teacher have a chance to build a relationship and trust.
The student can develop a good basis before joining the Group classes
The student’s practice is completely customized to individual needs and possibilities.

At the same time there is a commitment needed from both student and teacher.

I think to really understand anything, there needs to be commitment over a longer period of time. This is no less true for yoga.

Yoga Sutra 1.14:
When that practice is done for a long time, without a break, and with sincere devotion, then the practice becomes a firmly rooted, stable and solid foundation.

(sah tu dirgha kala nairantaira satkara asevitah dridha bhumih)

And finally, as a teacher I learn from my students. Spending time with them. Learning about them. Understanding their individual situation. It inspires me to investigate, not only in literature but also in my own practice. This is only possible when I am actually able to interact with them, to observe their practice, to ask them questions and understand their whole physical, mental and energetic beings.

I invite you to read more about my Private Yoga classes here and my Group Yoga classes here.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or of course, if you are interested in practicing yoga and meditation with me.