What trait or traits do you look for in a yoga teacher? What do you want this person to embody?
Authenticity. I don’t expect a teacher to be enlightened, to not have issues, or to know everything. But I do look for teachers that are authentic. I want to learn from teachers who are honest with themselves and others and aren’t putting on an act trying to convince people that they are something they are not.
+1 on authenticy.
Someone who knows how to teach properly and is able to help each student make progress on his or her own level.
Someone who is focused on the practice and doesn’t talk too much about unrelated stuff.
- knowledge
- relevance
- sanity
- care for students
- pleasant voice
- sense of humor
Curious that no one has posted “certified” in their answer! I guess it’s not exactly a “trait.” Yoga has been taught for centuries without any certifying business organization. As one who has learned mostly from Yoga teachers in India who don’t have a piece of paper, I’m happy about that.
Like with physicians or any healthcare professional, of primary importance to me is “Primum Non Nocere” - first do no harm. Having a certificate doesn’t ensure safe teaching practices. I’ve encountered several certified teachers who are unaware of how their advice is really affecting the physical bodies of their students.
And second is that I want a considerate teacher who respects each person and their individual differences. Don’t touch me during practice (when I’m focused within and it’s startling) without asking. Don’t react with disdain when I choose to sit out of an asana or technique because I don’t feel it’s right for me (so long as this is done quietly and without disturbance of others in the class). Don’t encourage competition. Yoga isn’t a sport for competing contortionists.
A nurturing personality.
I’ve been to classes where it’s just someone barking out movements, or worse yet yelling at people who are doing it wrong (yes I’ve experienced both).
Makes me tense, unhappy and I feel terrible. Not exactly a “yoga” high,