Reflecting on Self-Care and Compassion: Questions Every Yoga Teacher Should Ask

“Self-compassion allows a container through which you can hold yourself calmly, spaciously and steadily”

- Anna Taylor

We met with Anna Taylor ahead of her upcoming in-person course Self-Care, Compassion and Mentoring: Tools for Sustainable Teaching with Norman Blair on 2nd November to chat all things self-care, compassion and mentoring for yoga teachers.

How can we weave compassion into the way we teach without depleting ourselves in the process?

“We sometimes mistake what compassion is. We might think compassion is just giving, giving, giving, and certainly offering compassion is about seeing someone's having a difficult time and being called to action ‘how can I help?. But when you bring self-compassion in too, you do that in a way that doesn't negate you.” - Anna

In today's fast-paced world, the yoga industry can sometimes feel competitive, leading many of us to the brink of burnout. However, it's essential to remember that self-care is our anchor, allowing us to remain resilient and connected in challenging environments.

One transformative approach is to reframe our personal practice. Instead of viewing it as a space of challenges, we can see it as a refuge—a place to nurture and care for ourselves. This shift in perspective can make all the difference.

While empathy allows us to connect deeply with our students, it's self-compassion that ensures we don't deplete our own energies. As the saying goes, "You cannot pour from an empty cup." By caring for ourselves, we can offer genuine compassion to others without feeling drained.

When working with clients, particularly in yoga one-to-ones, we witness people having difficulties and it's important to emphasise the difference between empathy and compassion. People often talk about compassion fatigue but I'd say and it's argued that that's actually empathy fatigue that when we emphasise it's like we feel the challenges of the other and if we just empathising that can lead to exhaustion - constantly being in and feeling what the other is feeling.

Questions you might like to ask yourself when it comes to

Self-Awareness, Self-Care and Compassion

1. How do I define self-care in the context of my yoga practice and teaching?
2. What signs indicate to me that I might be approaching burnout or feeling overwhelmed?
3. How often do I prioritise self-care in my daily routine, and what practices resonate most with me?
4. In what ways can I incorporate self-care into my yoga practice to benefit both myself and my students?
5. How do I differentiate between empathy and compassion in my teaching?
6. How can I cultivate a compassionate space in my classes where students feel seen and supported?
7. What practices or routines help me feel rejuvenated and inspired in my teaching
8. How do I maintain boundaries to ensure I'm not overextending myself, both emotionally and physically?
9. What areas of my teaching practice do I feel could benefit from further learning or exploration?

If you are interested in exploring the subject of self-care and compassion in your own teaching and you cannot make the in-person course, please drop you details on this form and we will keep you up to date with future offerings.

Yoga and Finances

Anna and Norman's upcoming course will also cover yoga and finances. While yoga is deeply spiritual and transformative, is not immune to the practicalities of life, such as finances. How do yoga teachers navigate the delicate balance between monetary needs and the compassionate ethos of their practice? Let's explore this intriguing intersection.

1. The Taboo of Finances in Yoga:
For many, the topics of money and yoga seem incompatible. Some argue that discussing finances in the realm of yoga feels uncomfortable. However, it's essential to remember that while many of us are drawn to yoga because of its transformative effects, we also need to ensure our financial stability.

2. Root Chakra and Financial Stability:
The root chakra, representing our foundation and feeling of being grounded, ties closely to our basic needs, including financial stability. To truly serve our communities, yoga teachers need to ensure their financial well-being. This doesn't stem from greed but from the necessity of a stable foundation and being fair.

3. The Myth of Universal Provision:
While some believe that "the universe provides," relying solely on this notion can be detrimental. It's crucial for yoga teachers to be proactive in ensuring they're compensated fairly for their skills and expertise. This ensures that the industry isn't dominated solely by those in privileged positions but reflects the diversity of our community.

4. Self-Care and Financial Well-being:
Often, self-care is viewed as a luxury or even a selfish act. However, true self-care encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our financial health. By ensuring our financial stability, we're better equipped to serve our students and share the transformative power of yoga without the looming stress of financial strain.

5. A Call for Change:
It's time to shine a light on our attitudes towards finances in the yoga community. By reframing our views, we can ensure that yoga remains accessible and that teachers are adequately compensated for their invaluable work.

If you are interested in the subject are of self-care, compassion, yoga finances and sustainable teaching drop your name and email address on this form and we will keep you posted on future offerings.