teaching yoga is a conversation
Your yoga class isn’t a monologue. It might feel like one at times, but in reality, it’s a conversation. Even though your students may not be speaking aloud, they’re still responding—to your cues, your open-ended questions, and your overall energy in the room.
This idea—that teaching yoga is a conversation—has transformed the way I think about my classes. It’s helped me slow down, tune in, and connect more deeply with my students. Here’s how you can approach your teaching the same way.
hearing both sides
The tricky part about this “conversation” is that, as the teacher, you only hear one side: your own. Your students’ responses are internal or expressed nonverbally. They show up in the vibe of the room, in subtle shifts in their bodies, and in their energy.
Once I embraced this, I realized I needed to give my students space to process. When I fill every moment with my voice or rush through sequences, I lose the conversational rhythm.
being a good conversation partner
So, how can you make your teaching more conversational? Follow the same rules you’d use in any good dialogue:
- Don’t make it all about you.
- Ask open-ended questions.
- Pay attention to nonverbal cues.
- Remember what students share and follow up next time.
During class, it’s your turn to speak, but before and after class, listen. Say hello, ask about their day, and invite feedback on what they’d like to explore in future classes.
affirmation for connection
When I teach, I remind myself: “I am in a healthy relationship with my students.” This affirmation helps me show up with openness and curiosity, ready to connect with them in ways that go beyond words.
If you’re ready to deepen your connection with students, consider creating a workshop. Workshops invite more back-and-forth dialogue than a typical class, letting you hear directly from your students about their experience. Sign up for my free email course to learn how to design a workshop that truly resonates!
Tell me where to send the first lesson:
