Have you ever talked to one of your yoga teachers after class and told them how you honestly feel? Do you have the courage to be honest? Or are you the one who storms out in anger - or just gossips about your teacher to others without resolving the issue?

Have you ever been truly honest and said what you really wanted TO THE TEACHER? Or did you just fill out a feedback card or just e-mail WHY to complain?

How about talking to the teacher after class - IN PRIVATE and peacefully - and tell them the plain old truth. They can take it. Well - I can anyway. Most of the teachers seem pretty open and willing to receive. (Hopefully)

The other day I taught a class, and I knew most of the amazing regular yogis in the class. So, I felt comfortable enough, and thought I knew the students enough to joke around in class a bit, and have some fun and a few laughs in the hot class. (Can you imagine actually having fun?? I like to try.)

So, I thought it would be o.k.

However - after class I talked to one of the wonderful regular students (and they are great, by the way) - and they decided to tell me the truth. To my face.

Not on a comment card.

Not in an e-mail to Camille or Eddison.

Not gossiping about me to other students or other teachers. (That one is just great - isn't it?)

Not storming out of the class in anger without explaining why.

They had the COURAGE to tell me exactly why they did not have a good class, and why I was a big reason for that.

Guess what? I did not get angry, offended, hurt or defensive.

I totally respected what they told me, and I made sure they KNEW that it would NEVER happen again when they came to my class.

And you know why? Because I VALUE my job as a yoga teacher. I strive to make the experience for the students something they WANT TO COME BACK and do again.

So, when I am given feedback - I make the changes necessary to accomodate the students needs.

So - here is the question.

Do you have the COURAGE to take your teacher aside, (remaining calm of course) and give them some honest, real feedback that they can use to IMPROVE?

As teachers, I feel it is important to always learn and improve. So, to do that - we need feedback and honesty.

It is much more effective when you talk to teachers in person and let them know the truth.

That way - the teacher can KNOW when you come to their class - they can accomodate your specific needs.

Well - I will accomodate anyway. I can't speak for any other teachers, but you can give it a try.

Because when it comes to your yoga practice - Honesty is...the best policy?

Peace
Andrea

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