Letter to a Yoga Teacher.

Dear Emily,

Congratulations on almost finishing up your very first yoga teacher-training! It’s been so amazing going through this with you. I have gotten to know you so well, even better than I thought possible. There are things we’ll take, there are things we’ll leave. I’ve cried, laughed, and cussed with you. It’s been intense. It’s been real.

I just wanted to touch base with you about some things. I know you always say, “Let go of any expectations you have for your practice,” so I wanted to remind you to let go of yours, too. I give you full permission, as a yoga teacher, to do the following:

● suck;

● not take yourself so seriously;

● throw out the script;

● get lost and recover;

● learn equally from when you’re on and when you’re off;

● be inspired by, but not sound like your teacher;

● take risks;

● be yourself.

Lighten up, girl, it’s just yoga! The worst that could happen is you run out of time, lose your place, drop an eff bomb, or accidentally hold your students in Chair Pose for five minutes while you talk too much.

Remember, love, that just as when you are a student and your practice is not about finding the perfect pose—when you are a teacher, it is not about teaching the perfect class. Just show up as yourself for your students and do your best for them.

I believe in you, beautiful.

Love,

Yourself, the yoga teacher

P.S. Let me know when you find a place to teach—I’ll be there for you at every single class! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Emily Taggart is currently completing her very first 200-hour teacher training program in Sacramento, California. She collects thoughts on yay, moments here, and tweets as yaynamaste. She loves facilitating or immersing herself and others in experiences when she’s at work in the performing arts, at home in her historic neighborhood, or living it up in Sacramento’s vibrant, creative yoga community.