For someone who has made her living as an editor for the the last 8 years, I sure do have difficult time editing myself when I get up in front of a yoga class sometimes. The things that really COULD make me a good teacher–my knowledge, passion for the practice, and sincere wish to both connect to my students and communicate the deeper philosophy of yoga–sometimes makes it hard for me to take a step back and focus on just one or two main points in one class. Unfortunately, when I get going and say whatever comes to mind, I know my students just can’t process it all. At best, they take in what resonates with them and are able to tune me out the rest of the time. At worst, I’m sure there are times when they’re confused, overwhelmed, and annoyed that I don’t know how to shut the heck up and give them some room to just be–which is why they probably came to class in the first place.

I really try hard not to talk so much that it’s confusing or distracting for my students. I’ve tried a few different approaches to keep myself in check. I give only three cues for each pose. I find an essential action I want my students to work on and I stick to cues that help them understand that action in a variety of poses. I even plan moments of quiet into my sequences–Child’s Pose breaks are my own time to zip it, re-group, or focus on my own breath for a moment. But there are still plenty of times I look out at my students and see furrowed brows and confused, blank expressions that quietly scream, “Could you GET ON WITH IT ALREADY?!”

Theme Weaver served as a really great reminder of how much more power my words have when I keep things succinct and focused on one thing.  The author, Michelle Berman Marchildon (AKA The Yoga Muse) offers practical advice for yoga teachers on how to choose a theme for class (something that resonates with you), plan your yoga classes around a theme (winging it is NOT a great idea), and how to make the theme applicable to the practice without overwhelming your students. It’s a recipe for getting a message across to your students in a clear, concise way that they will understand and appreciate so they will keep coming back to you for more!

One word of caution: While I loved this book, unfortunately, just reading it won’t make you an amazing teacher over night. The first time I tried to deliver a class theme using Marchildon’s techniques, I was awkward and likely came across like I was trying a bit too hard. (It wasn’t quite authentic to me because I was following someone else’s formula.) But as I practiced using it more and more, I took what worked for me and let go of anything that just doesn’t come naturally to me. Some teachers really rock at reading an inspirational quote in class, for example, but I found this just doesn’t work with my silly approach.

 Still, I think this book should be required reading for yoga teacher trainees (and those of us who haven’t done a teacher training in a while!). I loved her ideas on writing a mission statement and bio–because we should all be clear about what kind of teacher we want to be. For that matter, I think it’s vital that more yoga teacher see themselves as trained professionals who should be PAID FAIRLY for their services in accordance with their education and experience. And, most importantly I love this book because, as Marchildon so eloquently put it: “Most yoga teachers could use a big cup up shut  up.” Guilty. And thanks for not beating around the bush, Ms. Marchildon. I couldn’t agree more.

Get your cup here. And if you read it, don’t forget to let me know what you think about it by commenting below.