The First Hurdle
There you are, fresh out of yoga teacher training, certificate in hand and enthusiasm through the roof. You’ve got your new business cards (complete with crow pose – legend!), a carefully designed poster, and dreams of packed classes hanging on your every cue for Warrior II. You’ve even practiced your “namaste” voice in the mirror – you know the one.
The First Class Reality Check
Then comes your first scheduled class. You’ve booked the community hall, set up your playlist, and you’re ready to transform lives. Two hours before class, you check your bookings. Current headcount: your mum. Your best friend just texted with a “family emergency” (suspicious timing, John, very suspicious).
Now you’re facing teaching sun salutations to your mother, who still reminds you about that time you failed your driving test. I know we practice non-attachment in yoga, but let’s be honest – this hurts.
The Comfort in Common Experience
Here’s the thing – if you’re nodding along, congratulations! You’ve just joined a very large, slightly bruised club of yoga teachers who’ve been exactly where you are. The thing is, with the ‘reality’ of instagram, where everyone seems perfect and the class look full and the studios beautiful, it can be so easy to feel unsuccessful, overwhelmed or maybe not enough. It’s like an unspoken initiation into teaching – very similar to that moment when you’re demonstrating a pose and completely mix up your lefts and rights. We’ve all been there, and if you haven’t yet, trust me, your time will come.
What This Experience Really Teaches Us:
Humility – there’s nothing quite like rolling out your mat in an empty hall
Resilience – showing up anyway, because that’s what we do
A sense of humor – because sometimes all you can do is laugh at the situation and keep moving forward
Practical Steps to Keep Your Sanity
Audit your advertising – Are you reaching the right people, or just shouting into the Instagram void?
Check your timing – Maybe 6 AM on a Sunday isn’t your target audience’s prime time
Network with other teachers – They’ve been there, they survived, they might even share their secrets
Start small – Maybe begin with private clients
Keep learning – Use this time to develop your unique teaching style
Consider collaboration – Partner with established venues or teachers
Stay flexible with your offering – Be ready to adapt when needed
For the Soul (Because We’re Still Yogis After All)
Teach from your heart – Your authentic voice will attract your tribe
Be yourself – There’s already enough carbon copies out there
Build your support network – Find your yoga teacher tribe
Trust the journey – Every established teacher started somewhere – very cheesy I know
A Personal Note
When people walk into our studio now and comment on how busy it is, I can’t help but think back. Before Warrior Wellness, I was that person – teaching to empty halls, booking spaces and showing up by myself or one or two clients, refusing to cancel out of sheer stubbornness (and if I’m honest, because I didn’t want to waste the booking fee). Those near empty room sessions, while tough on the ego, taught me more about dedication than any packed class ever could.
Remember: Building your authentic voice as a teacher takes time. But trust me, keep showing up, keep being yourself, and your people will find you.
A Note on These Writings
This is part of my new series of honest musings about yoga life – straight from the heart and unfiltered. These are my thoughts through my lens of experience, and I’d love to hear your take. Maybe you’ve got your own rejection stories? Share them below!
Interested in starting your yoga journey or looking to deepen your practice? Drop by Warrior Wellness in Kilcullen – we’ve got a community waiting to welcome you.
Keywords: yoga teacher training, new yoga teacher, yoga studio Kilcullen, Warrior Wellness, yoga community Ireland, yoga business tips, yoga teaching journey