We all have them—those little things that test our patience. For me, one of the more minor pet peeves is chewing gum, especially in a professional setting or when I see a student in class. But as a yogi, I try to take a step back and accept things as they are, reminding myself that I can easily ignore it and let it go. It’s almost like the “Somebody Else’s Problem Field” (S.E.P.) from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy—a way of reframing the situation to keep my calm.
When A annoys or injures B on the pretense of saving or improving X, A is a scoundrel.
H.L. Mencken
Of course, there are other things that require more patience to deal with. Sometimes, it’s tough to stay zen, but I remind myself to work through those moments without letting frustration take over. While this blog is my space to talk about yoga, I’ll focus here on the irritations that come from teaching or learning yoga, rather than the everyday annoyances.
Since all my teachers are not based in Germany, I’ve come to rely on online classes and recorded sessions for my learning, especially over the past four years. That brings me to something I’ve learned from teaching and learning through digital platforms.
Third Place: Teaching for a Recording and Missing the Mark on Cuing
I understand that when making a video for a platform, the teacher needs to demonstrate the practice clearly. After all, it’s hard to follow along when there’s no visual guidance! But I do believe there’s room for improvement in the way some teachers cue their practices.
Imagine you have less-than-perfect eyesight or need to remove your glasses before getting onto the mat. In those cases, simply watching a teacher demo a pose without clear cuing isn’t helpful. I don’t want to be five breaths behind you because you forgot to tell me where we’re headed next.
So, to all the teachers out there: if you’re recording a class, remember that cuing matters. Your students need your clear guidance in real-time, not after the fact. A practice is more than a demo; it’s an experience that we can share through thoughtful instruction.
I personally prefer to listen to a teacher’s voice rather than watch them. Once the focus shifts from trying to keep up with a demonstration to really guiding the class with your words, the richness of the practice can truly shine.
Second Place: Teaching Becomes the Teacher’s Own Practice
One of the first things I learned when I became a yoga teacher is that, when I’m teaching, my mat is not the place for my own practice. It’s a shift in mindset—my focus should be entirely on the students in front of me, not on what I’m doing myself.
When I see other teachers practicing while leading a class, I can’t help but feel they’ve missed an important lesson in cuing. It’s not about showing off or doing the poses alongside students—it’s about offering guidance, insight, and the space for your students to grow. If you’re simply demonstrating what you’re doing on your own mat, you might be missing the point of teaching.
The same goes for seeing teachers who treat their class as their personal stage. Whether it’s a teacher on Instagram or someone leading a Zoom class, I think we can all agree that it’s not the time for a performance. It’s the time for teaching, for creating an environment where your students feel seen, supported, and capable.
First Place: Showing Off During Teaching—A Disconnection
To be honest, there’s nothing more frustrating than paying for a class where the teacher is too focused on showcasing their own practice. We all know Instagram is full of impressive handstands, strength, and flexibility, and it’s wonderful to see those moments. But when I’m in a class, I want to be taught. I want to know that the teacher is there to help me develop, not to highlight their own accomplishments.
If I chose you as my teacher, it’s because I trust you to help me grow, not because I want to watch your personal show. If you’re more interested in being admired than in truly teaching, you’ve lost me as a student.
My Promise to My Students
When I teach, my focus is always on you. Every class, I’m here to help you move better, feel more joyful, and connect with a sense of purpose. I promise to provide cuing that is inclusive, clear, and timely. I will demo when it adds value, but I will never treat my class as my personal practice space. I’m here to guide you, not to entertain you.
You deserve a class that teaches, not just entertains. And if you’re picky about the quality of your yoga experience, I think that’s totally valid. You have every right to expect your time and money to be well spent, and I’m committed to meeting that standard.
📸 AI generated image by @yogamand: serene scene in a yoga studio
Join Me
Whether you come to listen, to watch, or simply to learn, I’d love to have you in class. You can find me Wednesdays at Puls Killesberg at 4:30 PM for a 90-minute intermediate class*. In December, you can also join me on December 26th at 10:30 AM to recover from the festivities, and on Monday, December 30th, at 10:00 AM when I sub for a dear colleague.
If you work at PwC, you’re in luck! I teach a beginner/advanced beginner class* Thursdays at 6:00 PM at PwC Stuttgart, with a holiday break from December 24th to January 6th, 2025.
➡️ for details and changes please check out the time table)
Oh, and one last thing—don’t get me started on misaligned mats. It’s a small thing, but it really gets to me. A little order goes a long way! 📐📏😂
*Advanced Beginners/Intermediate: you should have a regular yoga practice.
*Beginner: you should know what a Downward Dog is.
*Newbie: It is your very first experience with a yoga practice.
My Videos ↗
Find some inspiration on my YouTube channel (classes available in German & English).
Fave Books ↗
My favourite readings and little helpers when it comes to yoga.
About Me ↗
Get to know to know my yoga roots.
Text is partly revised by ChatGPT solely for grammar and typo reasons.
