Feedback with a Founder
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Hi Will
I picked my first teacher based on the type of class I wanted to try—I think it was Hatha Yoga—and the time that worked for me. After that, I tried different classes and teachers, and I usually stick with the ones that mix up the asanas. If the flow is always the same, I get bored, so I like to book different classes with different teachers to keep my practice consistent. Before trying a new teacher, I also like to know how long they’ve been teaching.
Thank you
Suzana M -
hi Will,
I chose my first teacher based on their experiences . I try to do research by reading their profile. I also like different styles of teaching asanas so I try to reach out to a new Guru after few sessions.Uma Srikanth Thank you!
When you say based on their experiences? Do you mean years teaching, where they studied, or something else? What kind of info do you look for on their profile Uma?
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I first looked to see whether they have photos of them doing asanas that I’d like to do, but can’t quite do yet. I’ve been practicing since 2003 (and I don’t teach), so it’s important for me to find teachers who can not only teach me something, but also practice what they teach. I’m big on asana form, so I look to see what their form is like in the photographed asanas.
After that, I looked to see whether they taught group classes so that I could see whether their teaching style worked with my learning style. Like a teaching personality test drive. I’d take any class of any style just to see.
So far, those have been my best metrics for determining which teachers are “yes” for me. I even go out of my way to take substitute teachers in group classes just to see what they’re like.
The “no” teachers for me were mostly based on their teaching styles vs. my learning style and not based on what they can do. So many wonderful teachers here, so I can be picky about who I feel I can learn the most from in ways I want to learn. Also, I’ve learned that it’s hard to judge a teacher by one class and it takes a few for both of us to get used to each other. After 3 or 4, the learning really begins. The teacher figures out more clearly what the student wants and vice versa.
Lisa Love it Lisa!! “So many wonderful teachers here, so I can be picky about who I feel I can learn the most from in ways I want to learn.”
Wow, so you look mostly at pictures of the asanas they’re doing, and their form, and see if you want to learn based on that - is that right?
And is my understanding right. You test them out in group classes to see if you want to do a 1-on-1 with them?
“Also, I’ve learned that it’s hard to judge a teacher by one class and it takes a few for both of us to get used to each other. After 3 or 4, the learning really begins. The teacher figures out more clearly what the student wants and vice versa.” Interesting… That’s a good point!
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Hi There, I and my wife checkout the teachers video and bio first then try couple of classes and then that determining which teacher is “yes”.
Ketan Emal Thanks Ketan!
That’s great! So what are you looking for in the video and bio?
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Lisa Love it Lisa!! “So many wonderful teachers here, so I can be picky about who I feel I can learn the most from in ways I want to learn.”
Wow, so you look mostly at pictures of the asanas they’re doing, and their form, and see if you want to learn based on that - is that right?
And is my understanding right. You test them out in group classes to see if you want to do a 1-on-1 with them?
“Also, I’ve learned that it’s hard to judge a teacher by one class and it takes a few for both of us to get used to each other. After 3 or 4, the learning really begins. The teacher figures out more clearly what the student wants and vice versa.” Interesting… That’s a good point!
Will Allen Yes, I also watch their video if they have one. Those are the best ways to get an idea of their practice and style. If they’re doing something I want to do in a way I want to do it, they go to the top of my list of teachers to try.
Yes. If they offer group classes or happen to be subbing a group class, I take it. That’s the best way to see how the teacher teaches. 1:1 is different from group, but you can get an idea of their personality and teaching style that way. In some cases, I’ll watch a recording of one of their group classes if they teach at a time I can’t attend live. It’s like an audition to see what I can learn from them. If they call asanas in interesting ways or correct students in certain ways, I learn a lot about whether I’d like a 1:1 class with them.
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Suzana Thank you so much!
It sounds like you try new classes at times that work well for you. And if the teacher varies things, you stick with it. Does that sound right?
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I attended my first MYT class in March 2020, right when the lockdown began. At that time, there were only a few group classes available, so I tried out almost every teacher and class. Eventually, I found the teachers whose styles resonated with me and supported my progress on this journey.
Whenever I consider trying a new teacher or class, I usually check the previous recordings first to get a sense of their teaching style before joining.
If time permits, the best way to grow in yoga is to attend classes with different teachers, as each one offers something unique and valuable to learn.
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I selected my first teacher based on experience and watching the videos of past sessions. I don’t mind working with different teachers if they all follow the same style. For e.g. I used to take Hatha class for a long time. Then the regular teacher who was teaching that class left after 5 years, and many new teachers came on board for the same class. Everyone followed their own way, which disturbed me because Teacher A’s style was different from Teacher B’s style. Finally I left that class. It made me very upset; I am a learner, and I do not want my body and mind to get confused.
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I attended my first MYT class in March 2020, right when the lockdown began. At that time, there were only a few group classes available, so I tried out almost every teacher and class. Eventually, I found the teachers whose styles resonated with me and supported my progress on this journey.
Whenever I consider trying a new teacher or class, I usually check the previous recordings first to get a sense of their teaching style before joining.
If time permits, the best way to grow in yoga is to attend classes with different teachers, as each one offers something unique and valuable to learn.
Thank you Swarajya! So it sounds like recordings are how you find new teachers and classes!
I know this is a tough question, but how do you know a teacher / class resonates with you? What distinguishes one that fits you vs one that doesn’t?
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I selected my first teacher based on experience and watching the videos of past sessions. I don’t mind working with different teachers if they all follow the same style. For e.g. I used to take Hatha class for a long time. Then the regular teacher who was teaching that class left after 5 years, and many new teachers came on board for the same class. Everyone followed their own way, which disturbed me because Teacher A’s style was different from Teacher B’s style. Finally I left that class. It made me very upset; I am a learner, and I do not want my body and mind to get confused.
I see Chhaya Patel, so consistency in style is important for you, otherwise it feels confusing and upsetting for you. That makes sense.
What are some elements of style you find important? Is it about voice and tone of the teacher / class, speed of transitions, how long you hold asanas, how difficult the asanas are, or something else completely?
