You're in your regular yoga class when it hits you. "I could do this. I could teach yoga."
Maybe you love how yoga makes you feel. Perhaps friends always ask you about poses. Or you just want to help others find what you found on your mat.
But then the doubts creep in. Am I flexible enough? Do I know enough about yoga philosophy? What if I'm not meant for teaching? Let's talk about all these things in an honest way.
You Don't Need to Be Perfect
The biggest myth about yoga teacher training among many is that they need to master all the poses first. But that's not the case.
Most teacher training programs expect you to be a dedicated student, not a yoga master. You need curiosity, not perfection. A willingness to learn, not a perfect handstand.
In Indonesia, we sometimes think we need to be experts before we can help others. But yoga teaching is different. You learn by doing, teaching, making mistakes, and growing from them.
What Actually Matters for Teaching
If you can't touch your toes while keeping your legs straight or hold a crow pose for 5 minutes, don't worry because here's what really matters:
Care about the people - Teaching yoga means helping others feel comfortable and safe. That matters more than any pose.
Listen to people - Good teachers notice when students struggle. They adjust their teaching based on what the class needs.
Be patient - Everyone learns differently. Some students pick up poses quickly. Others need more time. Both are perfectly fine.
Keep learning - The best teachers stay curious. They read, take workshops, and learn from other teachers.
These qualities matter way more than perfect alignment or advanced poses.
The Indonesia Factor
Yoga is still growing in Indonesia. This creates amazing opportunities for new teachers.
Many Indonesians are curious about yoga but intimidated by it. They worry it conflicts with their beliefs. They think they're not flexible enough. Or they assume yoga is only for wealthy people.
This is where you come in.
New teachers connect better with beginners because they're nervous too at the beginning. But, they can explain things in a better way because they have learned everything recently.
New teachers can make yoga more accessible to the community by explaining things in the local language. You can bridge that gap by teaching in ways that feel familiar to Indonesian students. Share how yoga complements local values of community and balance. Show people through your own journey that yoga welcomes everyone, stiff backs, tight hamstrings, and all.
Common Fears (And Why They're Not Real)
Let's Talk About Those Nagging Doubts. You know the ones I'm talking about - those little voices that whisper you're not ready to teach.
"I'm not flexible enough." Here's a secret: I couldn't touch my toes when I started teaching. Neither could half the teachers I know. Your tight hamstrings might be your superpower - you'll understand exactly what your students are going through. More importantly, less flexible teachers often relate better to stiff students.
"I don't know Sanskrit." - You can learn this during training. Many Indonesian students prefer simple English or Bahasa anyway.
"What if I can't demonstrate every pose?" - Good teachers know how to use modifications and props. They also know when to ask advanced students to demonstrate instead.
"I'm too old/young/new to yoga." - I've seen amazing teachers in their 60s and inspiring ones in their 20s. Some started teaching after just two years of practice. Others waited a decade. There's no magic timeline - just your timeline.
"What if no one comes to my classes?" - This fear is normal. Start small. Teach friends. Build confidence gradually.
Yoga Day as Your Starting Point
International Yoga Day happens every June 21st. It's when the whole world celebrates yoga together.
This year, use Yoga Day as your exploration deadline. Spend the next few months researching:
- Local teacher training programs
- Different yoga styles and what appeals to you
- Teachers you admire and why
- Your own practice and what draws you to teaching
By Yoga Day, you'll have a clearer picture of whether teaching feels right for you.
What to Look for in Teacher Training
Not all yoga teacher training programs are the same. Here's what matters:
Experienced teachers: Check if your trainers actually teach classes regularly. Some teachers are very active on social media, have thousands of followers, but can't handle normal questions related to yoga.
Balanced curriculum: Check if the training program covers poses or more than that. You want to learn about breathing techniques, understand some philosophy, and actually practice teaching skills. If it's all about nailing perfect Instagram poses, keep looking.
Practice teaching opportunities: Insist on teaching real students during your training. It's okay to practice with other trainees, but nervous beginners will teach you more about teaching than experienced ones ever will.
Ongoing support: You need to enroll in programs that don't just give you a certificate and say goodbye. The best programs stay connected, offering mentorship when you struggle with your first class or continuing education to grow as a yoga teacher.
Indonesian context: If possible, choose training that understands Indonesian culture and helps you teach appropriately here.
The Money Question
Let's be practical. Teacher training costs money. Teaching yoga might not make you rich, especially at first.
But here's what many people don't consider: Teaching doesn't have to be your full-time job.
Many Indonesian yoga teachers start part-time. They teach a few classes while keeping their regular job. Some teach private sessions on weekends. Others focus on corporate wellness programs.
You can build slowly. See if you enjoy teaching before making it your main income.
Taking the First Step
You don't need to commit to teacher training today. Start smaller:
- Take different styles of yoga classes
- Talk to teachers you respect about their journey
- Read books about yoga philosophy
- Notice what you love most about yoga
- Pay attention to how different teachers connect with students
If teaching still appeals to you after a few months of exploration, then consider training programs.
Trust Your Instinct
That feeling you had in class - "I could teach this" - don't ignore it.
Maybe you're meant to help nervous beginners feel welcome. Perhaps you'll specialize in yoga for specific groups like seniors or office workers. Or you might become the teacher who makes yoga accessible in your neighborhood.
The yoga world needs teachers who remember being students. Teachers who remember their own fears and doubts. Teachers who care more about making others feel comfortable than looking impressive.
Sound familiar? Then maybe that voice in your head during class was onto something. Use Yoga Day as your decision deadline - not to pressure yourself, but to permit yourself to take this seriously.
