1. I know it’s not personal when my students disappear for long periods of time without explanation. And it doesn’t hurt my feelings at all when they ghost and I never see them again. Nope! Not. One. Bit. In fact, I’m happy they found what they were looking for somewhere else. Thrilled, in fact. Good for them.

2. Is it LIE down? or LAY down? Are there any English teachers in my class? Editors? Either way it’s totally OK. This is a NO JUDGEMENT ZONE. It says so on the sign—right there underneath the Om mural.

3. No one will notice if I check my phone during Savasana. I mean, their eyes are closed, so…  It’s cool.

4. If I post enough photos of myself to social media, I’m going to be a famous yoga teacher one day.

5. If I say it with enough confidence, no one will know that I called that muscle by the wrong name or completely butchered the pronunciation. Are there any doctors in the house? Never mind. (See #2.) I’ll just make up for it by reading an inspirational quote.

6. It’s OK that I skipped my practice today. I was mindful as I drove to class. That’s the same thing as practicing asana. Yoga OFF the mat.  (Editor’s Note: I’m not saying it isn’t valuable to be mindful as you go about your day, I’m just saying it’s not the SAME as an intense asana practice—and that it doesn’t prepare you to teach your class in the same way.)

7. I can make a decent living teaching group yoga classes.

8. I’m going to start a blog pronto! I’ll post everyday. Every yogi in a 100-mile radius will flock to my classes. I’ll make lots of money, be a famous yoga teacher, AND a famous writer.

9. Wow. I was SO inspirational just then. I am inspired by my OWN words. I must actually BE a writer! I’m totally adding that to the biography.

10. I look really great in these crazy, colorful, patterned yoga leggings! I’m saying to the world: I am bold, confident, creative, unique, and I do my own thing—nevermind that nearly everyone who walks through the studio door has the same pair. I stand out from the crowd!

BONUS:
That was good for a laugh. But I couldn’t put this list out into the world without balancing it out with another, more serious one because I yoga teachers and they deserve a lot more respect than they get.

REAL Lies Every Yoga Teacher Tells Themselves

1. I have no unique or original teachings to offer my students. (Truth: You will reach people in a way that only YOU possibly could. They might have heard it all before, but they haven’t heard it from YOU.)

2. I am not experienced enough to help anyone. (Truth: A yoga teacher’s most important job is showing up and holding space for people to explore their own bodies and mind. In truth, it doesn’t take much training or experience to do that—just a willingness to go along for the journey.)

3. I need more training. (Truth: Maybe you do. But don’t let that stop you from helping people in the way that only YOU can. See #1-2.)

4. I don’t have a big following of students because I’m not a good teacher. (Truth: Being able to draw a crowd is a different skill than teaching yoga. Don’t let your shortcomings in one affect how you approach the other.)

5. I don’t know why I even bother.  (Truth: It’s for the money. Bahahahahahahaha! Seriously, though, of course you know why you bother teaching yoga. You do it because you love it. You do it because you have a big heart and you like helping people. You do it because the practice healed you in some way, and you know you can help other people heal themselves through yoga, too. You do it because it’s a part of your dharma; it’s who you are. You were chosen. Embrace it. Own it. Enjoy it.)

Now it’s your turn. What lies have you told yourself about teaching yoga?