Yoga is more than just asanas, flexibility, and breathwork; it's a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and connection. But in this journey, the student-teacher relationship is crucial, as it directly influences a student's experience and growth.
As yoga teachers, how do we maintain the integrity of this sacred bond while respecting ethical principles?
Let's explore some core aspects of ethical teaching in yoga - because teaching yoga isn’t just about knowing the asanas, but about navigating this relationship with clarity, compassion, and integrity.
5 Ethics of Teaching Yoga
1. Setting Boundaries: The Unseen Asana
Like in yoga practice, where boundaries define our range of motion, setting boundaries as a teacher is essential. It’s about recognizing where your role as a guide begins and ends. It’s easy to get carried away with the idea of being a "guru" or someone with all the answers. However, an ethical teacher knows their role is supporting, guiding, and empowering students rather than dictating their path.
Establishing boundaries also means recognizing when a student needs space—physically, emotionally, or mentally. It's about respecting their journey and not projecting your expectations onto them. Understanding these boundaries helps create a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment where students can grow.
2. Consent: The Key to a Respectful Practice
The concept of consent in yoga is relatively new but incredibly important. Always ask before offering physical adjustments, whether it’s a simple verbal check-in or using consent cards.
A consent card like this, having red and green on both sides, would be a good idea.
A student’s body is their own sacred space; any touch, even if well-intended, should be agreed upon.
Consent isn't limited to the physical realm, either. Be mindful of the mental and emotional space you hold for your students.
Some may be comfortable sharing personal experiences, while others may prefer to keep things private. Always ask before diving deep into conversations or assuming a role beyond a yoga teacher's.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Honoring the Roots of Yoga
In the global spread of yoga, the cultural context often gets blurred. Yoga is more than a fitness trend; it is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, spirituality, and culture. As teachers, it is our responsibility to honor these roots, acknowledge the cultural context, and avoid diluting or misrepresenting the practice.
This doesn't mean we need to teach yoga exactly as it was done thousands of years ago. Still, we should be mindful of how we present the practice, ensuring we do not strip it of its essence or appropriate it in a way that disrespects its origins.
Respectful teaching means being aware, educating ourselves and our students, and speaking out against cultural appropriation in the yoga community.
4. Authenticity: Keeping It Real
In a world full of "Insta-gurus" and "Yoga Influencers," authenticity has become a rare commodity.
However, being authentic is not about how many poses you can perform or how often you post your practice. It's about being real with your students.
Share your experiences, both successes and struggles, because students connect more with the human aspect of their teachers than with a curated persona.
Be honest about what you know and what you don’t. Read: Myths of Teaching Yoga
It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, but let’s explore this together.” Authenticity helps in building trust, deepens relationships, and creates a space where students feel comfortable to be themselves.
5. Humility: The foundation of being a teacher/lifelong student
Remember, as yoga teachers, we are always students first. There is always more to learn, more ways to grow, and more wisdom to gain. Humility keeps us grounded and open to learning from every student we teach.
Approach teaching with a mindset of sharing rather than instructing, collaborating rather than dictating. This openness allows us to maintain ethical practices and cultivate a culture of mutual respect and growth in the yoga community.
Conclusion
Navigating the student-teacher relationship in yoga is an ongoing journey. It requires awareness, intention, and a commitment to ethical principles.
By setting clear boundaries, seeking consent, practising cultural sensitivity, staying authentic, and embracing humility, we honour our students and the essence of yoga itself.
After all, yoga is about union—connecting with oneself, others, and the universe. And the student-teacher relationship is a beautiful expression of this connection, provided it's grounded in trust, respect, and genuine care.
So, let's teach from the heart, with ethics as our guiding light.
Namaste! 🙏
