Once again, I find myself looking for a teacher. Someone who I can get to know, who knows my practice well enough to know when I’m slacking during core work and who can look at my poses and say, “Erica, you’re hyper-extending again…”
It’s hard to build a relationship with a yoga teacher when the only time you can make it to a studio is Saturday morning when it’s so crowded it’s a miracle if you can even get close enough to the teacher to mutter a “Thanks” on your way out. And while I’ve been maintaining my practice through videos online lately, I know the importance of face time with a teacher who knows you well enough to give individual instruction.
Finding a yoga teacher is a lot like finding a life partner–chemistry is important. And the only real way of knowing if you have the right chemistry with a teacher is to actually experience the teachings in all their glory. One class is not enough. You have to commit to that teacher for long enough for her to know you well enough to offer adjustments specific to you. Unfortunately, some teachers don’t do that no matter how well they know you… Sigh. I’m afraid it’s going to take me a LOOONG time to find a teacher.
The last time I moved (which was not so long ago) I wrote this personal ad for a yoga teacher. I’m seriously considering posting it on Craigslist.
In addition I would like to add the following:
– Must give adjustments. (Especially the one where I get traction on my spine during Down Dog.)
– Oh, and no creepy, floppy-fish-hands adjustments. Isn’t that Yoga Teacher Training 101? I’m shocked by how many soft, stroking adjustments I’ve been getting lately…
– Must be able to see that I’m bored in his class for beginners and offer ways to help me amp it up.
– Must be able to recognize my face and know my name … Actually, scratch that, she doesn’t have to KNOW my name after a handful of classes, but it would be nice if she’d at least ASK me what it is!
That’s really all. Is that too much to ask?
I need advice. How did you find “the one”?
Sounds reasonable to me. Good luck.
Bob W.
Remember every teacher has something different to offer! Maybe it's just not what you need right now. Be open to all teachers (unless something they do is offensive). As a teacher, I find that sometimes I'm all about adjustments all the time, and then I'll go the opposite way and not do any. So I would definitely tell the teacher that you find adjustments informative. She/he might be willing to spend a few minutes after class to go over a specific pose and adjust you then.
I understand! I was searching for a teacher for several years. It is interesting how things fall into place. I did finally find a wonderful teacher that challenges me in a way no other has. Beyond just asana. I wish you all the best in your search!
Have you tried any intensive classes? The ones at my gym at limited to 6-8 people so that the teacher really can work with you individually. They usually cost extra, but are worth it. I don't know, we are limited to 25 people per class in our studio, so I get to see the same teachers over and over and have become friends with three of them.
I had a teacher fall into my life at the most opportune moment. For me, teachers just seem to come when I am ready for them. I have been lucky. I agree with the adjustments requirement, though the soft stroking adjustments are good for me. I find that they serve to remind me of places where I tend to dump… so that I can return to center.
It's tough when you have no teacher to lead you…. the search can be tough.
I just wish I was able to make a selection. For the longest time there wasn't any in my area. Now the one class taught here does have a pretty good teacher so I am happy about that. Still I'd like to have your problem (choice).
LOL about the creepy floppy fish hands- Blek!! I really feel strongly that adjustments with stroking are not optimal! For example I often do privates with couples and as a teacher I feel I must be very grounded and intentional in my adjustments in this intimate setting. A stroking touch just feels yukky to me! I think a firm not rough touch is grounding and centering. But of course everyone wants something different from a yoga teacher. It might be fun to do a survey on this subject. I agree with those that say you should tell the teacher you want adjustments and more challenging poses. It really helps the teacher if you tell them what you like. If someone said that to me I would give more adjustments and add some extra layers of challenge to a class and it would probably benefit everyone.
Love the post. I find the problem when I find one or 2 teachers I click with is that then I am at the mercy of when they teach versus when I work or can come to class. It's also awkward with the teachers you don't click with/don't attend regularly I feel they sort of know it, or maybe I'm just paranoid.
Good luck on your quest to find a great yoga instructor. It is tough and really the key to having a great yoga practice. I was able to find a yoga studio nearby that offered all you can eat yoga classes for one set fee. Since I could go as many times as I wanted in a one month period – it allowed me to check out a bunch of the instructors and then go back to the ones I enjoyed. Maybe you could work out a deal like that? Or do you still get all your classes for free you spoiled brat! 😉 BTW – how did you manage that?
Thanks for all the tips, every one. I'll find my teacher! I just have to keep going to different classes! 🙂
Lauren, I think teachers know if you don't plan to attend regularly, too! It feels like I'm using them or something!
Maria, I laughed out loud when I read your comment. I AM a Spoiled Brat! I used to work at Yoga Journal and we had amazing teachers come into the office to teach us every day… I miss those days… and my teachers!
I'm recently new in my town, too, and struggling to find a teacher. So glad you posted this! Here's to both of us continuing to find the teacher within and a great teacher nearby!
i had several teachers at blue turtle, and liked the combination of all of their styles and demands–very balancing! it was great to have the very reasonable monthly fee for all the classes you can go to, at both locations, so that i could try them all before finding the ones that worked best for me.
now that i'm in columbia, there are so many fewer options that it's tough. however, i follow the studio i go to occasionally on facebook and the owner knows me from there! i went to class saturday, and although i've only been to the studio maybe 5 times, she knew me and remembered my strengths & weaknesses from previous classes.
yet another redeeming quality of social media!