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When I moved to Charleston, SC a couple of years ago, I was thrilled to find an amazing, thriving yoga community. Studios everywhere. Amazing teachers. Fabulous workshops. Excited students. You’d think I’d be right at home–immediately making close friends and becoming a part of the scene. But that’s not what happened.
You might not guess it based on my online personality (if anything, I’m a little TOO eager to get involved in online communities), but when I go to a yoga class.. I’m painfully shy. I unroll my mat and either rest in Child’s Pose (nose squished firmly into my mat) or stare at my toes until class starts. When class is over, I pack it up and I leave. I am not usually one of those students who crowds around the teacher waiting for her turn to ask a question or give a hug. As you might guess, this has made it quite difficult to find my place in the community. (Not to mention the full-time job I had–and now the baby–that made it nearly impossible to attend class regularly.)
But recently, I’ve decided I’m tired of observing. I want to teach again–and not just a little bit, but a lot! I want to really dive in and start sharing my practice with the world in a meaningful way. To do that–I have to find my place in this amazing community.
So I set out on a mission. I started reaching out to teachers I admire in the area and get to know them a little better. I asked them questions about the yoga they teach, the communities they serve, and what newcomers can expect from their classes. I also asked them out for tea or lunch. And because I’m sure that there are others who can benefit from their amazing stories.
In the coming weeks I’m going to share Q&As from the amazing teachers right here in my own beautiful city in a series I’ll call Hometown Yoga Heroes.
But first, I want to know: How did you get involved in your yoga community? Do you have any tips?
I'm answering this from the point of view of a student, but:
I'm painfully shy, so when I first started attending classes at my local yoga studio, I generally hid behind whatever book I happened to be reading at the time. I would arrive early, set up my mat, and then quietly sit in sukhasana and read until it was time for class to begin.
It was the warm and welcoming teachers who first drew me out. The ones who learned my name and teased me during class and showed me what I was capable of. One teacher in particular started up a private FB group for his favorite yogis… and included me. I was the only non-teacher in the group, and was blown away by the kindness. I realized he saw in me and my practice a potential I hadn't yet seen for myself.
Soon enough — thanks to the teachers who pulled me away from my books — I was a regular social butterfly at the studio, and was also socializing with my new yoga posse outside of class. Quite a leap for a somewhat-reclusive introvert with social anxiety.
Now I'm starting a yoga teacher training program in just five days. Over the past year and a half, I have been frequently overcome with gratitude for the yoga community I'm now a part of. With the possibility to teach yoga in my future, I'm even more grateful for the supportive yogis I'm surrounded with. I know that knowing them will provide me with even more opportunities.
i find silence to be rather uncomfortable, especially before class if there are only 2 or 3 people waiting. so i'd always say Hi and then see how people respond. usual chit chat. "how are you? what's your name? last week's class left me really sore."
since i showed up to the same class with the same teacher, i saw the same people even if i missed a few weeks. over time, i started making more friends. now, it's nice to run across old friends when i switch up classes. i also add my yoga teachers on facebook, and looking at their list of friends, i might see some of my classmates and friend them too. helps add a connection outside of class.
I'm not sure what it is, but where ever I go, whether its to the mall, walking down the street, the grocery store, but people always stop and ask me questions. Its been that way all my life. Its the same when I take yoga, even if I'm passed out on my mat, people ask me questions.
That being said, if I see that student again in another class or they take my class, I try to follow up on the question they asked me before. Or at least say hi of we had just been making small talk.
You could always makeup up t-shirts emblazoned with "Spoiled Yogi" and wear big shades, then maybe people will recognize you for the star you are!
♥♥♥
Thanks so much for your post — I often feel on the outside of the social group at the studio I go to. I have tried to be more social but I am not the "typical" student there even though I have been practicing with them regularly for 2 years. It REALLY bothers me sometimes but then there are other times that I enjoy being there, quiet and focusing on the reason I'm there – which isn't to make friends.
Thanks so much for posting this. It just goes to show how very important it can be for teachers to reach out and show up in their communities in a big way.. something for me to aspire to! Let us know how your training goes!
Ha. I find silence uncomfortable, too! That's why I look at my toes. 🙂 Your way is better.
I'm with you. There are certainly times when I really enjoy having those few minutes before class all to myself. But having a supportive network of like-minded friends sounds so wonderful for me. It's something that I've decided I have to build slowly, over time… not much different from the yoga poses, I suppose. Thanks for commenting!
Obviously, you look approachable and friendly! I should try that.. instead of body language that shows people how awkward and uncomfortable I am. 🙂 If that doesn't work, I'm totally having a T-shirts made. I'll send you one. 🙂
I moved from Texas where I was involved in yoga community in Austin, Houston and Corpus Christi and received yoga training to Kentucky, where this is little yoga. So I can't wait to read more, thanks for sharing!
Goodness, I think this is something we all struggle with!! I know I do. Online my persona is bubbly(ish) but this year I ned to hustle to find more classes to teach (trying to go full time and the bills won't pay themselves!!) and it's tough. WAY tougher than I expected actually.
I have found it easier to email first, let them know that I'm looking for classes, say hi, and let them know I'll be popping by to take a class on X day.
Best of luck with it! 🙂