One of the coolest aspects of being a yoga teacher is the incredible people I get to meet through the practice of yoga. When I started teaching yoga I never realized the impact I’d have on those around me. Yoga can be a transformative practice for some. I feel honored that I’ve been able to witness the unfolding of the yoga practice for so many students.

I’ve witnessed the early stages of relationships at the yoga studio. Yoga students meet each other and connect on their mutual love for the practice. Eventually they develop a friendship or romantic relationship. It’s heartwarming to see the practice bring people together.

On the flip side, I’ve witnessed strong yoga students pull themselves back together after the ending of a relationship, the unwinding of a marriage, and even the loss of a child. Being a human includes experiencing suffering and pain. I am grateful so many people feel safe and supported through the practice of yoga to heal, learn, and grow and have trusted me to guide them in the practice.

Although the practice of yoga is more than conquering shapes, it always puts a smile on my face when a student shares with me that in that day’s class they did a specific pose for the first time. Yoga requires patience and grit. To witness a student try and try again until they get a certain posture is so rewarding.

In my decade of teaching I have many specific students and moments, big and small, that make me so proud to be a yoga teacher. One student in particular, Dan, has always given me those proud yoga teacher moments. I don’t actually recall when Dan started taking my classes, but his investment in his practice stood out right away. He’s that student that always asks questions after class. He’s that student that wants to learn more about the history and philosophy of yoga. He’s that student who joined me on a retreat and in his down time read the yoga books I recommended. He’s that student that prioritizes his yoga practice even with a busy schedule. He’s that student that reminds me why I am still doing this yoga teaching thing.

I always knew Dan would make a great yoga teacher if he ever wanted to consider that route. I was pleased when he approached me about teacher trainings. He expressed he wanted to do an immersive training and perhaps travel for the experience. I started doing some research and reached out to those who could steer Dan in the right direction. Initially I selfishly wanted Dan to study with my teacher. Unfortunately, my teacher doesn’t host many 200-Hour Teacher Trainings these days. Luckily, my teacher had a recommendation for another training that fit Dan’s needs. I passed along the information to Dan and before I knew it he had committed to a 200-Hour Teacher Training in Thailand.

Seriously proud yoga teacher moment!

As I type this Dan is out there exploring Thailand. His 200-Hour Teacher Training begins in just two days. I know his teachers will see what I see. I know his teachers will appreciate his dedication to the practice of yoga and soak up his insightful questions. If he decides to embrace the seat of the yoga teacher I know he too will experience the proud yoga teacher moments. It’s a beautiful cyclical journey that I hope never ends.