Hey Friends,
In April, Bradshaw and I recorded an episode about Teaching Through Hard Times, which you can listen to [here]. I wrote a long blog entry filled with personal details of challenges I have had to overcome and the personal lessons learned, but I didn’t have the courage to hit publish on it.
However, I feel a bit more liberated right now. I feel like I am on the precipice of some really big changes, which Bradshaw and I talk about in the latest episode [here], and I feel a new surge of inspiration. If you’ve been listening to the podcast or following along here, you know this past year has riddled me with health challenges. I’ve dedicated time to taking deep care of myself—my mind, body, and nervous system. It’s been a time of being more intentional about all that I do, from work to social life to family dynamics.
It has not been easy; challenges and changes never are. But on the other side of it is usually something much more suited for who you’re growing into, and hopefully even more fulfilling or peaceful. Resiliency is paramount.
I am sharing an abbreviated version of the blog entry below about teaching yoga through hard times, and for anyone going through it, I hope it helps you feel seen and inspired to take care of yourself in all the ways only you know you need.
XOXO,
Giana
In the serene setting of a yoga studio, students find peace and self-discovery, guided by their teachers who at times can appear to be beacons of light. However, teachers also face personal hardships while serving others. Teaching yoga through difficult times is a reality many of us face, and it's important to acknowledge our humanity, honor our feelings, and take time for self-care.
Over the past ten years of teaching, I've faced breakups, health challenges, the loss of loved ones, and of course global crises. Teaching sometimes helped me feel more like myself, providing peace as I led classes. I even used my hardships to inspire themes of non-attachment, resilience, and strength. However, there were times when emotions were too overwhelming, especially during deep loss and grief, and I took breaks when needed.
My journey with grief began long before I found yoga, but ultimately It is what drew me to the practice. My dad died suddenly in a plane crash just before my first day of 9th grade. It happened in a time before time before Instagram and even Google, and yet It was all over the local news. On top of experiencing the most tragic event of my life, I remember feeling scared to be gossiped about, pitied, or appear different because of It. My siblings and I took off from school for the first week or two, but that time was filled with cleaning up the detritus left from having our lives turned upside down. I tried to return to "normal" as quickly as possible, but yet, 24 years later, I'm now finally processing the feelings I repressed with the emotional maturity I developed today. I am grieving for my younger self, I am grieving for my current self, and ultimately, I am learning so much about myself along the way.
Since finding yoga, this past year has been the second most challenging period of my life. I have been on a healing journey from long-haul COVID symptoms and unprocessed trauma. Teaching during this time has felt aligned with my healing and almost as much of a reprieve as the practice first felt when I happened upon It. Teaching during a hard time allows me to escape my thoughts and help others have their own healing experiences. Being of service and fostering a safe environment to help students connect with themselves has been truly cathartic. However, sometimes, the hardship is too great. Emotions need to be felt and expressed, even repressed ones. Had I lost my father today, I would need to step back from teaching to take time and space to process such a big life change before holding space for others. Immediately after tragedy, you cannot put a time limit on when you will feel better. We have to ride the waves and learn to co-exist with and eventually It becomes part of us.
The harsh reality is that many yoga teachers lack paid time off or health benefits, making it difficult and anxiety-producing to take extended breaks. Despite this, sometimes taking time off is necessary. Finding ways to support oneself during these periods, such as through savings, alternate income streams, or community support, is essential, though. And after dealing with my health issues, this is exactly what I needed to do. I took a long break and focused on taking care of myself. Then when I returned to work, I found that It helped move me forward. It gave me something to focus on and provided community support and financial stability, which reduced that additional stressor. This challenge taught me to lean on friends, family, and the community for support. The break also made me realize how overworked I was, leading to burnout that I hadn't recognized. So while picking up the pieces of my former self, I had an epiphany that I wasn’t trying to put myself back together or return to my old life necessarily, and that I was in the process of becoming someone entirely new.
Returning to work after a long break can feel awkward. It reminded me of myself as a kid entering high school for the first time after a major tragedy - with everyone wondering where I had been or what’s been going on. So this time, I owned my story and shared just enough to help me feel comfortable returning to work. There is no manual for dealing with hard times, especially in a field that emphasizes caring for others. It's crucial to listen to our deepest voice and take care of our needs. You do not need to share your story, however. It’s important to remember that teaching yoga is about the students, not the teacher. Vulnerability should be shared only when it feels safe and appropriate, and without being too self-indulgent. A useful tactic is to find a broader message that reminds students of their humanity, cultivates compassion, and fosters connection and understanding.
This is an important reminder for us teachers, too. We need to maintain our practice during personal turbulence. It can be a cathartic release, a place to process emotions, and a way to develop self-compassion. Step onto your mat, even if it's difficult. Cry if you need to, make noise if it calls out to you, and let your practice be sacred. Each breath becomes a testament to your resilience, each movement a gesture of self-love.
The healing process is filled with ups and downs, moments of strength, and raw emotions. Prioritizing self-care is vital. There’s no right or wrong way to handle things; taking time to think about what feels best for you is the first sign of proper self-care. Pay attention to your needs, allow yourself the time to heal, and check in daily. Self-care is an act of love for both yourself and those you serve. Remember, while you are in the thick of it, the process is not linear. We can't pause everything until we feel like the healing process is complete; we have to ride the waves while continuing onward.
To hear Bradshaw and I talk about this subject further and banter to bring levity to the topic, check out this episode:
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