Sometimes I receive criticism about how I facilitate my yoga classes. Typically the criticism is related to the number of options I provide for students. This is feedback I will respectfully listen to, however, this is not feedback that will change how I teach.

If you’ve taken one of my classes you know I teach with a very clear perspective. I always come with a plan and I often outline a learning objective at the top of class. And, although I come with my own teaching agenda, I always highlight that one’s time on their mat is their own time. As a yoga teacher I am simply there to provide structure, guidance, and suggestions. I hope to create a space where students can turn inward and investigate their own experience. Through that investigation students get to make choices. When I’m teaching outline various choices that a student might make based on what they’re experiencing in their own body and mind. It’s my invitation for students to consider what they’re feeling and, from there, they choose their own adventure based on a number of options I outline.

My classes have structure and my classes are all about personal choice.

Offering up a variety of options for a student to make can be tricky. I regularly have students tell me, “I am just here for you to tell me what to do.” I understand that! Many of us are constantly bombarded with choices that we have to make every single day. We just need someone to tell us what to do! The time when you roll out your yoga mat can also be a sweet opportunity for you to turn off the choices and simply do what the yoga teacher tells you to do.

On the flip side, some people might come to their yoga mat for the opportunity to choose their own adventure. They’re eager to tune into their own experience and choose variations of shapes that support them in that moment. Your yoga mat can be a space where you practice self-agency. And it might be one of the few times in your day, week, month, year when you truly get to express that self-agency.

Embrace the moments when you get to express your own personal choices. No one needs to know why you made a certain choice. You don’t have to give any explanations. The point is that you have the freedom to choose.

I feel like I have to give a bit of a cautionary statement with this blog post. I’d hate for you, dear reader and yoga practitioner, to attend a class that has very strict guidelines and you get scolded for taking a shape that is not being taught. Please use your yoga mat as a space to explore your personal choices in your practice. Also, please be mindful of the dynamic in group classes. Some group practices lend themselves well to a choice-based practice. Some group practices do not lend themselves well to a student doing something other than what the teacher is providing.