In the vast world of yoga, where individual journeys intertwine, the sense of community plays a pivotal role in fostering growth, support, and connection. Through interviews with yoga teachers from around the world, we explore three essential questions that delve into the heart of community building within the yoga realm. These questions address the ways in which yoga teachers can support, uplift, and empower one another; the definition and importance of community in the yoga world for both practitioners and teachers; and the practices or initiatives employed to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment within classes or yoga studios.
These yoga teachers from around the world generously share their perspectives and experiences. From the vibrant yoga scene in Los Angeles to the serene landscapes of Japan, and even in the yoga communities of Uganda and Poland, these voices echo a common theme: the transformative power of community in yoga.
In this blog, we unravel the wisdom shared by these passionate yogis, exploring diverse ways to strengthen the bonds that unite teachers and practitioners alike. From practical tips such as offering mentorship, supporting each other’s classes, and encouraging collaboration, to the deeper essence of creating a safe space for vulnerability and authentic connection, each teacher’s insights offer a unique thread in the rich tapestry of yoga community.
Join us on this journey as we glean inspiration from yoga teachers who advocate for rising in love, finding solace in sangha, and creating spaces where everyone, regardless of background or ability, is welcomed. Let these interviews serve as a guide to not only deepen your yoga practice but also to weave a stronger, more compassionate yoga community—one that extends beyond the mat and embraces the diverse tapestry of humanity.
Community as an assemblage of individuals dedicated to their own healing with the support and encouragement
Morgan Balavage, From Los Angeles, CA. Owner of An online yoga studio: Splendid Yoga. Connect with Morgan: Morgan Balavage
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“Yoga teachers can support each other by paying for each other’s classes. I had one yoga teacher ask to come to my class for free, “because I’m beyond paying for yoga,” she said. To me, it’s the opposite! The deeper I get into yoga, the more I am happy to support it not just with my time and my attention, but with my money as well. Yoga teachers can uplift each other by engaging meaningfully with each other’s social media. Comment on that gorgeous photo! Save that carousel of hot tips for pranayama! Share each other’s freebies to build y’alls mailing lists! Yoga teachers can empower one another by celebrating where we’re all at, in our own practices and in our businesses. You don’t have to teach every kind of yoga and make it accessible for every type of person, but you can celebrate the reality that we are all right where we need to be on our path, and we can share resources for yogis at various points in their path.”
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“I think of community as an assemblage of individuals dedicated to their own healing with the support and encouragement of those around them. In the yoga world, community is crucial both for supporting your own practice as well as the healing of the collective. I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t push myself as hard when I sneak in a 10 minute YouTube practice at home versus when I’m sweating in a room with 50 other people. We share energy because we are one, and the more we embrace that, the easier it is to live in this world.”
What practices or initiatives have you seen or implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive community in your classes or yoga studio?
“The most effective way I’ve found to foster community, especially in an in-person yoga studio, is to give prizes away (usually, a free month of yoga or a new yoga mat) for whoever attends the most classes that month. The more people show up, the easier it is to keep showing up. To foster an inclusive community, it’s crucial to have teachers who are trained to teach yoga to bodies of every size and ability, and who understand how to obtain consent and safely provide physical adjustments. Building trust through accessible, consensual yoga, is one of the most powerful ways to create a supportive and inclusive community”.
We need to operate from a place of service towards other teachers as well as our own students
Ellie Smith, Originally from Cornwall, U.K. and now located in Mie, Japan. Connect with Ellie: Ellie Smith Yoga
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“I think we need to operate from a place of service towards other teachers as well as our own students. For example, showcasing/introducing other teachers to your own students, either through in person/online events or on social media. Direct students who have issues/concerns outside the scope of your knowledge to teachers who have some expertise in that area. Contact other teachers to ask how you could promote them to your own audience/students or what they’re working on in their business that you could promote. One of my lead teachers in my community holds informal catch ups that have no business or yoga focus whatsoever- just whoever wants to come can come for dinner to reconnect and have a laugh. This has been great for helping me to feel connected and safe in a community where I’m the only foreign teacher.”
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“For me, the community in the yoga world feels like home. When I’m surrounded by people who have a similar reverence for the practice it feels like there is a special kind of buzz in the air- one that will sustain me until we all meet again. The fact that we entered the practice in different ways, interpret it in different ways, and study and teach it in different ways, that shared respect for something that has transformed us for the better holds its own kind of magic. I think this is important because it’s through this community that we can be introduced to new ways of thinking about philosophy, new ways to approach self-study and new ways to teach. When I feel stagnant in my teaching it’s usually because I’ve got stuck in thinking that my way is the only way, or I have placed myself at the center. Reconnecting with my community helps me to recenter the student, and let the yoga take over.”
What practices or initiatives have you seen or implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive community in your classes or yoga studio?
“The school from which I obtained my certificate (Akasha Yoga Academy) has a separate WhatsApp group for graduates – our teachers are pretty active in there, supporting our endeavours and providing advice when we ask for it. It’s a great way to stay in touch with our peers and to support new graduates that join the group, and to stay connected to our teachers.”
Yoga teachers can support and uplift one another in a variety of ways
Annie Vinje, From Phoenix, AZ. Connect with Annie: Annie Vinje
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“I think yoga teachers can support and uplift one another in a variety of ways. It can be as simple as taking another teacher’s class, liking their posts, but it can also be through backing each other physically, emotionally, and mentally.”
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“I define the sense of community in the world by a group of people, teachers and practitioners who enjoy and uphold the practices and ideas of yoga.”
Encourage collaboration and networking amongst each other
Jen – The Adaptive Yogi, from Auckland, New Zealand. Owner of the: The Adaptive Yogi Connect with Jen: The Adaptive Yogi
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“Encourage collaboration and networking amongst each other. Sharing ideas, resources, and experiences can help us all out. This can include co-teaching classes, organizing workshops & retreats together, or simply having regular meetings to support and exchange insights and tips. Yoga teaching can be lonely! I am about to set up a support group for accessible Yoga teachers in my area!”
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“In the world of accessible and adaptive yoga, fostering a sense of community & connection is a fundamental aspect of what we do. It’s the ‘secret sauce’ that is hard to explain but so felt! Community in yoga is all about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all abilities, backgrounds, and body types can come together to share in the transformative power of yoga and foster a sense of ‘belonging’ as marginalized bodies often feel on the outer. It’s important for both the students and the teachers.”
What practices or initiatives have you seen or implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive community in your classes or yoga studio?
“I strive to ensure that all feel welcome, valued, supported AND specifically catered for. Making sure I stay visible and continue the diversity and inclusive messaging. to promote a safe and welcoming environment for people of all abilities and body shapes and sizes.”
Experienced teachers can offer mentorship to newer or less experienced teachers
Mireille from Qatar. Connect with Mireille:Mireille Yadi
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“Experienced teachers can offer mentorship to newer or less experienced teachers. This can involve sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and offering feedback and support. Also teachers can share resources such as lesson plans, sequences. For me personally I had the best support when other teachers observed and gave feedback on my classes, sharing insights and suggestions for improvement, and offering encouragement and support.”
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“The sense of community in the yoga world refers to a feeling of connection, support, and belonging among practitioners, teachers, and other individuals involved in the yoga community. It encompasses the idea of coming together as a collective, sharing experiences, and supporting one another on the yoga journey. This sense of community is important for both practitioners and teachers for several reasons; Encouragement, Learning, Growth, and Commitment”.
What practices or initiatives have you seen or implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive community in your classes or yoga studio?
“As a yoga teacher, my journey has been deeply rooted in holding space for my students and meeting them where they are on their individual paths. I have strived to create a supportive and inclusive community within my classes and yoga studio, embracing students of all backgrounds, abilities, and levels of experience. One of the key practices I have implemented is to prioritize the holistic well-being of my students. I understand that yoga extends beyond the physical practice and encompasses mental and emotional aspects as well. In my classes, I create a nurturing environment where students feel safe to explore their bodies, minds, and emotions. By offering modifications, variations, and props, I ensure that each student can practice at their own pace and ability, honoring their unique needs and limitations, which where I can see clearly in all my private settings classes. I have also made it a priority to be attentive and compassionate towards my students’ mental and emotional well-being. I encourage open communication and actively listen to their concerns, challenges, and triumphs. By providing gentle guidance, offering words of encouragement, and holding space for their experiences, I aim to create an atmosphere of trust and support. Recognizing that growth extends beyond individual efforts, I have actively sought out collaborations with other yoga teachers. Through mutual support and shared experiences, we have created a network of teachers who uplift and inspire one another. Collaborative workshops, mentorship programs, and peer feedback sessions have allowed us to learn from each other’s strengths and areas of expertise, fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement”.
Giving a prompt for them to share something about themselves
Deborah Charnes, c-iayt, e-ryt 500 and author of From the Boxing Ring to the Ashram from Austin, Tx, USA. Connect with Deborah: Deborah Charnes
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“In all my classes, I like to open with people introducing themselves, and giving a prompt for them to share something about themselves, what they’re grateful for, what they’re doing over the weekend, etc. As our society becomes more virtual and tech-powered, it’s more important than ever to create a sense of community. Rather than people rushing in and out of yoga class, we should welcome them to arrive early, and stay later, sharing with each other.”
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“One word: sangha”.
What practices or initiatives have you seen or implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive community in your classes or yoga studio?
“When I lived in San Antonio, Texas, at the suggestion of one of my students, I formed a yoga book club. We met for one hour before/after yoga class. Each book was suggested by a different participant. It was a beautiful way to share, learn, and get to know each other. When the pandemic lockdown began, I decided that rather than offer yoga classes online as everyone else was doing, I initiated a virtual book club. Still, today, I read from and chat about a different book every week. My book club airs live on IGTV (deborahcharnes) and Facebook Live (TheNamasteCounsel). One of the things I love about my book club is that people drop in from all over the world. Just as my San Antonio yoga book club included many selections that were not yoga-per-se books, the same is true for my virtual offerings. If I read a biography or autobiography from a well-known person outside of the yoga world, for example, I try to find nuggets that refer to their sense of spirituality, gratitude, detachment, or other mind/body teachings. Likewise, my own book, From the Boxing Ring to the Ashram, is what I call a yoga-therapy-in-disguise book”.
Yoga teachers have the ability to guide students by introducing them to self love
Paulina Podbiello fron Białystok Poland. Connect with Paulina: Paulina Podbiello
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“Yoga teachers have the ability to guide students by introducing them to self love ❤️ self awareness and the mind body connection”.
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“The yoga community is a place to feel safe amongst people on a similar path. It’s important for practitioners and teachers alike to find mutual support and encouragement”.
What practices or initiatives have you seen or implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive community in your classes or yoga studio?
“Bringing together people representing different groups as equal in terms of power, respect and importance. Making sure that all practitioners are involved and considered as equal”
We should be able to rise in love, to feel safe enough to be authentic
Heran Tadesse from Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Connect with Heran here. Check out Heran’s interview on the Wild Yoga Tribe podcast here.
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“In our yoga community, we should be able to rise in love, to feel safe enough to be authentic, where vulnerability is considered powerful and deep connection is nourished.”
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“I have offered full moon and new moon gathers, art and yoga sessions for free in my community.”
We should be able to rise in love, to feel safe enough to be authentic
Vytaute with Lean on Ayurveda from Brussels, Belgium. Connect with Vytaute here.
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“I think it’s very important that all yoga teachers have a trusted mentor to continue truly practicing and embodying yogic values. If that’s in place, I really believe peer support and empowerment would come naturally :)”.
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“It is not “the norm” to be a yogic seeker in the world today. It can feel lonely and we can be perceived as strange, and feel singled-out. This is why the Vedic tradition upholds the notion of sangha, a coming together in a community of seekers. Finding your own sangha, a place of structure, support and encouragement is everything on a yogic path. A yogic path of a householder is one of many questions and many contemplations, which can really blossom in a community setting”.
What practices or initiatives have you seen or implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive community in your classes or yoga studio?
“What has been most supportive for me so far is being part of a sangha with my own yoga teacher. The regularity of meetings is a crucial aspect, keeping me grounded in yogic values rain or shine. I don’t feel ready to birth a sangha-type container for my own students, but one day I would love that :)”.
Give feedback, offer opportunities if they arise, attend eachothers classes
Mugisha Kaduggalayoga, from Entebbe, Uganda. Owner of Entebbe Yoga. Connect with Mugisha Kaduggalayoga
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“Give feedback, offer opportunities if they arise, attend eachothers classes if possible, a like on social media and a positive comment also is a big push. Recommendations also do good incases where more than one teacher is needed”.
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“Everyone has something to offer, and at least everyone deserves a voice teacher or practitioner to my observation the community makes it possible”.
What practices or initiatives have you seen or implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive community in your classes or yoga studio?
“Collaborations with Painting and Music Artists, Partner Yoga, retreats and open Workshops.”
By knowing who you are authentically and sharing it honestly with others
Paola Marino, from Mexico City living in Tomball, Texas. Connect with Paola: TheYogiMarketer
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“By knowing who you are authentically and sharing it honestly with others, you can see the other teachers with admiration and understanding that each of us share a different medicine. Forgetting division and remembering to always come back to love. Giving each other advise, support and wisdom”.
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“By being vulnerable and accepting that you aren’t perfect as a teacher, as well as dropping the pedestal for others you can create a space for students to open up and allow for them to come in their fullest versions to your classes. Sometimes they will come and cry, sometimes they’ll come and move and sometimes you will simply hold space. Allow for them to be as you allow yourself to be, they will allow yourself to be ✨????”
Collaboration for special events and listening to ideas and struggles of each other
Shauna Flash from Sandy Ut. United States. Connect with Shauna Flash: Shauna Flash Yoga
How can yoga teachers support, uplift, and/or empower one another?
“Offering subbing opportunities, collaboration for special events and listening to ideas and struggles of each other”.
How do you define the sense of community in the yoga world, and why is it important for practitioners and teachers alike?
“My yoga community was there as a support for me in the most difficult time in my life. I have gained lifelong friends that care about creating healthy spaces for those that need it the most. I can’t imagine my life without the support of my yoga community”.
What practices or initiatives have you seen or implemented to foster a supportive and inclusive community in your classes or yoga studio?
“My classes are for all levels. Most of my students return to my classes because they feel comfortable knowing they don’t have to compete with others and their poses don’t have to match mine exactly because I encourage them to listen to their bodies in every pose. All genders are safe in the spaces taught and they are honored for their uniqueness”.
Final Thoughts on Connection, Community, and Support in the Yoga World
In the world of yoga, our exploration into the hearts and minds of these dedicated yoga teachers reveals a resounding truth—the strength of our practice lies not just in personal achievement, but in the collective embrace of a supportive community.
From Los Angeles to Uganda, each teacher’s story enriches the narrative of shared growth, understanding, and empowerment. As we conclude this journey, let us carry forward the invaluable lessons of supporting, uplifting, and empowering one another. Through collaboration, mentorship, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity, we can continue to build a global yoga community that mirrors the interconnectedness we seek on our mats—a community where each thread, no matter its color or texture, contributes to the beauty of the whole.
May these insights inspire us to not only deepen our individual practices but also to nurture the collective spirit that makes the world of yoga truly extraordinary.
