Barefoot and Fancy Free: 5 Fun Reasons to Teach Yoga

There are many reasons that one becomes a yoga instructor. These reasons vary, but usually include something  such as a deep love for the practice of yoga, an urge to share this practice with others, an interest in helping people get deeper into the poses, or an interest in bringing yoga to a particular population who might not otherwise experience yoga. These reasons are, of course, why so many teachers are so passionate about teaching and are so skilled at what they do. However, there are a bunch of fun, unexpected reasons that being a yoga instructor is AMAZING--reasons that one figures out only after he or she becomes a yoga instructor. These reasons are what I want to discuss today. Since I love lists, I thought the best way to outline these perks of the job would be in list format. If this list doesn't make you want to become a yoga instructor, I don't know what will :)

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Photo via videoinfo.co.cc

1. Your "business suits" are made of Luon, Organic Bamboo, and 100% Organic Cotton: One of the most amazing things about being a full-time yoga instructor and studio manager is that I get to wear yoga clothes ALL THE TIME. Seriously, all day every day. I think I "dressed up" two or three times last month, and by dressing up, I mean that I put on jeans and a top to go out to dinner with friends (times I wasn't coming directly from teaching, and therefore, wasn't wearing yoga clothes). It's basically like wearing your pajamas to work every day. Yep, wonderfully comfortable and so much fun!

2. Being hot & sweaty at work is totally normal: Living in DC, the commutes to work in the summer used to be MISERABLE. By the time I got to work, I'd be sweating in my nice work clothes, and the various fabrics these clothes were made of would be sticking to my body, making for a very uncomfortable feeling. Then, I would get to the office, where the A/C was blasting, and I would start my slow freezing process for the day. It was ridiculous. But, when teaching yoga, being hot & sweaty is completely normal, and the clothes that you're wearing are made for sweat wicking, so you never have to worry about it. Yay!

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Deep Breath, Melanie Weidner. listenforjoy.com

3. Remembering to breathe is one of your responsibilities at work: As a yoga instructor, breathing deeply (or as the amazing Darren Main explains, whole wheat breathing, as opposed to white bread breathing) is a very important part of the job description. Teaching others how to truly breathe, breathe deeply, and cultivate the breath throughout their practice is equally important. Breathing deeply has SUCH a calming effect on the body, so this is a wonderful part of my daily "work duties." If you're reading this at your desk right now....take a deep breath. Maybe close your eyes for a moment, and take a few more. Ahhh, isn't that better?

4. You're expected to be barefoot at work (and this means pedicures are part of the job!): Remember the summers when you were young, and you would run around all day long with no shoes on, feeling completely free? Imagine spending a large percentage of the day each day now, barefoot. It's wonderful, and completely freeing. When I think about the shoes that I used to wear all day at my desk, I feel so lucky to be able to run around the studio barefoot every day. If you can, slip your shoes off under your desk and wiggle your toes. Ahhh, freedom :) Oh, and did I mention that because your feet are always in everyone's face, pedicures become an important part of your professional upkeep? Yep!

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Photo via costaricayoga.org

5. "Office supplies" are speakers, an ipod, bolsters & blankets, a mat, massage oil, incense, & aromatherapy spray: Enough said! These are all totally fun things and are used to help people find total relaxation. No need to run to Staples or the office supply closet, here! Ommmmmmmmmmmm.

And there you have it! All my yoga instructors out there--got any more fun reasons that I forgot? Please share!

As a side-note, a great part of having friends who are fellow instructors or yogis is that sometimes, when you're too exhausted to make the event/get-together that was planned weeks before, you can simply call or email letting them know that you're listening to your body, and that it says that you need to go home and sleep. They TOTALLY understand, and even encourage you to do so :) No more guilt trips for a bit of self-care!

Namaste!
Mary Catherine

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