When I first started teaching yoga 20+ years ago, I was teaching up to 10 classes a week, each with their own theme, in an attempt to “please” every possible client. The problem was, my passion was for gentle stretching. I loved stillness, silence, and meditation. None-the-less I continued with a variety of things, ultimately leading me to feel burned out and uninspired. I would watch other teachers offering these incredible advanced classes and thriving, and I’d think “Why can’t I be like that?”
Here’s the thing. Every teacher has their niche. It didn’t take me too long to figure out mine was gentle yoga. These were the classes that left me feeling like I was giving something good to the community, and would feel inspired to teach more of it. Peace has always been my priority. Once I focused on that, the right clients found me.
I know my yoga is not for everyone; And I don’t try to please everyone like I used to. If you are a restless, irritable, high energy person, my slow meditative pace will aggravate and amplify your irritability. I am a high energy person, but for me the slow pace is inviting me to slow down, and I relish in that little bit of stillness. I feel like I am returning to myself in those moments. I understand not everyone feels this, and I am the first to refer students to other teachers in the community if I am unable to give them what they need with The Gentle Way of Hatha.
Here in Northumberland County we are SATURATED with yoga teachers and studios. There is no reason why someone cannot find a class that works for them, or a teacher they connect with. If you need help with that, shoot me an email at gentle_hatha@live.com! Community over competition is my motto when it comes to helping someone find a yoga class and teacher that works for them.
There is room for every yoga teacher and studio, I believe, and putting community over competition will win in the bigger picture, which is to get people the yoga they need.
The Gentle Way of Hatha 