“Yoga uses the body to discipline the mind and reach the soul.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

Have you heard the term “imposter syndrome?”  I’m sure you have and you know it’s a real thing.  When you are starting out as a yoga teacher – and even well beyond the initial teaching phase – feelings of being an imposter (having doubts about your abilities and fear of being exposed) are present for many teachers. It is natural to feel inadequate at first because you are trying to live up to the expectations set by your trainer, the expectations of your students who (in your mind) have been taught by more experienced teachers, and of course expectations set by YOU. So how do we get past impostor syndrome?  Read on for seven solid strategies:

First, I must begin by saying that teaching yoga is serious business. I am not saying this to scare new yoga teachers, but rather to emphasize the importance of what we do.  We are sharing our knowledge of a revered, ancient, practice and we must take responsibility to do so in a safe, mindful, and yes, authentic way.  You cannot responsibly share your knowledge of yoga until you yourself are living the fundamentals of a yoga lifestyle – albeit in a modern world.

1. Understanding the first two limbs of yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas  – the foundational moral principles and self observances – and doing your best to live them (according to your personal interpretation), as well as understanding and striving to master the other six limbs of yoga (Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi) will send you on the path of authenticity. Assimilating this knowledge and interpreting these new concepts to fit into your current lifestyle takes time and cannot be accomplished overnight. 
2. Therefore, be honest with your students (Satya -truthfulness Yama).  It is okay for them to know you are new on this journey.  That makes you authentic and relatable because, after all, everyone has been new at something in their lifetime.  Has yoga changed your life?  Tell your unique yoga story – your story makes you, YOU! 
3. Keep all of your yoga literature handy for viewing by your bedside.  You will undoubtedly gain new insight each time you read it. When have you been most immersed in foundational yoga principals? In your teacher training of course!  Remember to re-read all of the information provided periodically as a refresher.  You can’t possibly assimilate all of the philosophical and technical information the first time you read it (especially the unfamiliar ancient texts such as the Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita).  
4. Go even further back to your roots.  Remember WHY you began PRACTICING yoga. Take a few minutes.  Close your eyes and take yourself back to that first class. Remember how you felt standing in that first mountain pose (Tadasana)?  Your first downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)?  Your first Savasana?  Now, remember WHY you went back to that second class, and what continued to bring you back, time and time again?  Those are your yoga roots.  Now, remember WHY you chose to TEACH  yoga and remind yourself that you are sharing a precious gift. If you connect your students to those same feelings, you will have brought an authentic part of yourself into your teaching.  Need help promoting yourself?  Read my blog post on How to Cultivate Relationships and Build your Yoga Teacher Brand .  This Yoga Journal article to help embrace marketing as an act of generosity and service is also very helpful.
5. Study respected teachers and mentors. Watching and learning from these teachers will help you build your OWN, authentic, style.Find what resonates with you by observing successful teachers.  What  can you relate with, what do you take to heart?  Have you ever watched a yoga video on YouTube and ended up subscribing to that channel?  It’s because you made a connection with that teacher and his or her style. 
6. Spend time on self inquiry.  Dig deeper into yourself (Svadhyaya – self-study). Have you ever read an article that you completely connected with? Read a book that has a plethora of tattered, earmarked pages from referring back time and time again?  This could be threads from the Yoga Sutras, or other ancient texts on yoga philosophy, or recent modern versions of yoga or other literature.  These written words act in the same way as the recommendation above – you’ve made a connection.  Ask yourself this question: Why does this resonate with me?  What is it within me that has caused me to connect with this passage?   Reading, re-reading, assimilating information that connects you to yourself and yoga will help you build authenticity. 
7. Journal your thoughts.  Where do you find inspiration for themes for your yoga classes (read How to Theme a Yoga Class)? For me it comes from many different places: a song, a book, a social media post, even a conversation with a friend. Wherever it may be, you chose it because that quote, story, or idea resonated with you.  Now, allow yourself to explore that connection.  What can you relate with about that passage or idea?  Can you elaborate on that thought?  Write your thoughts in a journal – electronic or handwritten in a blank paged book.  Give yourself advice regarding that message as if you were talking to a very close friend.  Now, read it back, editing out what doesn’t sound authentic to you.

Follow  the strategies above and with time you will find your authentic self as a yoga teacher.  Don’t be afraid to try new things – but remember,  if it doesn’t feel authentic to you, it won’t to your students.  Make sure that what you are teaching them is coming from your heart. That you feel aligned with YOUR yoga practice, your inner self – in mind, body, and spirit.  Your students will know the difference and your authentic self will come shining through.