The journey from yoga student to teacher is a bit like watching a garden grow. It happens gradually, naturally, and sometimes in unexpected ways. After two decades in the yoga world, I've seen this beautiful transformation happen again and again - each time unique, yet following certain universal patterns.

Whether you're just starting to consider teaching or you're already on your way, let's explore this transformative journey together.

The Natural Evolution

Remember your first yoga class? Maybe you were drawn in by the physical practice, or perhaps you were seeking stress relief. For most of us, teaching wasn't even on the radar then. Yet somehow, yoga has a way of deepening its roots in our lives.

This evolution often unfolds organically. First comes the physical practice - understanding the poses, feeling their effects. Then the curiosity grows - wondering about the 'why' behind the movements. Gradually, the practice deepens - touching aspects of breath, mindfulness, and daily life. And sometimes, almost unexpectedly, the desire to share emerges.

Finding Your Voice

One of the most beautiful aspects of becoming a yoga teacher is discovering your authentic voice. This isn't about mimicking other teachers or following a script. It's about finding your unique way of sharing yoga's gifts.

This discovery happens gradually. During teacher training, you'll start with the fundamentals - learning basic cues, understanding alignment, practicing with fellow trainees. But over time, your own style and voice naturally emerge from your experiences, challenges, and insights.

Think of it like learning a new language. At first, you learn the basic phrases. Then you start forming your own sentences. Eventually, you find yourself expressing ideas in ways that are uniquely yours.

The Real Journey Begins

What many don't realise is that getting your certification is just the beginning. The real learning starts when you step into your first teaching experience. Every class you teach, every student you meet, adds another layer to your understanding.

Don't worry if this sounds daunting - it's actually one of the most exciting parts of the journey. Each time you teach, you learn something new:

• About different bodies and how they move

• About explaining complex concepts simply

• About holding space for others' experiences

• About yourself and your own practice

Common Challenges (And Why They're Actually Gifts)

Let's talk honestly about the challenges new teachers face. If you're experiencing these, you're not alone - they're actually signs of growth.

Imposter Syndrome

That voice asking "Who am I to teach?" is incredibly common. Remember, you're not teaching because you're perfect at yoga; you're teaching because you have something valuable to share from your own journey.

Finding your Authentic Voice

At first, you might find yourself mimicking your favourite teachers. That's normal! Gradually, you'll find your own way of expressing things. Your unique experiences, challenges, and insights become your greatest teaching tools.

Balancing Student and Teacher

Here's a beautiful truth - great teachers remain eternal students. You don't stop learning when you start teaching. In fact, teaching deepens your own practice in unexpected ways.

Building Your Foundation

Your Personal Practice

This remains your cornerstone. It's where you explore, discover, and find the insights you'll share with others. Make time for it, even (especially) when teaching regularly.

Think of your personal practice as your laboratory - it's where you experiment, discover, and develop the insights that make your teaching authentic. This isn't about perfecting advanced poses; it's about deepening your understanding of how poses feel in your body, how breath connects to movement, and how different approaches serve different needs.

When you start teaching regularly, it's tempting to let your personal practice slide. But this is precisely when you need it most. Your practice becomes your sanctuary, your source of inspiration, and your connection to the student experience. Set aside time that's just for you - where you're not thinking about teaching or sequencing, but simply experiencing yoga for yourself.

Strong teaching grows from a solid foundation. This includes:

Understanding Bodies

Anatomical knowledge is vital, but equally important is understanding that every body is different. Learning to read bodies and offer modifications becomes an fascinating ongoing journey.

The human body is endlessly fascinating in its diversity. Beyond learning anatomy from books (which is important!), you'll develop an intuitive understanding of how bodies move and adapt. You'll learn to:

• Read body language and subtle cues

• Understand common movement patterns and compensations

• Recognise when and how to offer modifications

• Support different body types, ages, and abilities

• Build confidence in different populations

This knowledge grows through experience, observation, and continuous learning. Every student becomes your teacher, showing you new ways to make yoga accessible and meaningful.

Teaching Skills

From sequencing to time management, from using your voice effectively to holding space for your students - these skills develop with practice and patience. Teaching yoga is an art that combines many skills, including:

Voice and Language

Develop clarity in your cues, learn to pace your instructions, and find words that create clear mental images. Your voice becomes a tool for guiding experience - through its tone, rhythm, and volume.

Sequencing and Flow

Learning to create meaningful class sequences is like becoming a skilled storyteller. You'll develop the art of building classes that flow naturally, where each pose prepares the body and mind for what comes next. Great sequencing goes beyond stringing poses together - it's about crafting experiences that make sense for your students.

Holding Space

The art of holding space is perhaps the most subtle and powerful teaching skill you'll develop. It's about creating an environment where students feel truly safe to explore and express themselves, helping them to feel empowered, supported and ultimately free to connect with themselves.

Creating Your Path And Continuing To Grow

There are so many ways to share yoga in today's world, from studio or community classes, to private sessions to online teaching. The key is finding what resonates with you and your style of teaching. Some teachers thrive in busy studios, others prefer intimate private sessions. Some love the reach of online teaching, others the depth of specialised workshops.

The beauty of teaching yoga is that there's always more to learn. Every experienced teacher will tell you they're still discovering new aspects of the practice. This might mean taking further trainings and developing interests and specialisations.

The path of teaching is endless discovery. But the most important piece of advice I can give is to keep a community of inspiring people around you. Collaborative learning and a teacher development community is priceless. The world of yoga teaching can be lonely, and once you’ve qualified, you might feel alone. Surround yourself by other teachers, mentors and community to keep you inspired, bounce around ideas, and pick you up if you’re ever feeling down.

Remember, your teaching journey is unique to you. Let it unfold naturally, guided by your interests, strengths, and the needs of your community. Use your community to keep you strong, stay curious, maintain beginner's mind, and trust that each experience - whether challenging or joyful - contributes to your growth as a teacher.

Your Unique Journey

Remember, your path as a teacher will be as unique as you are. There's no one 'right' way to teach yoga. What matters is teaching from a place of authenticity, continuous learning, and genuine care for your students.

Whether you're just starting to consider teaching or you're already on this path, trust that each step - even the wobbly ones - is part of your growth. The world needs different kinds of teachers because students need different approaches.

Your journey from student to teacher is not about reaching a destination. It's about embracing a path of continuous growth, sharing what you learn along the way, and remaining open to the endless possibilities that yoga offers.

From Student to Teacher

Ready to explore your teaching journey? The Frog Project's 200-hour online teacher training offers a supportive, structured path to finding your authentic teaching voice. Our experienced teachers guide you through every step, from foundational skills to confident teaching. Learn more about our approach here.