I’m sitting in silent prayer. My clammy palms glued together to hide the fact my heart is pounding hard in my chest. My breath is ragged as I try to clear my arid throat. I let out a low, deep Om and hope my students don’t notice I’m fighting the temptation to scream Aarrrrrggh! Instead.

My mind is blank. I’m sure I should be saying something profound, insightful, and soothing as 25 pairs of expectant eyes look at me.

I try to recall the ideas I had written down when I finished my carefully planned lesson plans earlier today—plans that I can’t remember. I have been teaching for six years, but I still get nervous and self-conscious before each new class or retreat.

It creeps into my mind that I do not have the skills, knowledge, or sensitivity necessary to create an experience that will be healing and helpful and bring harmony to people seeking solace in Samadhi.

Teachers’ Performance AnxiIt’s normal to feel anxiety when performing, but it can be detrimental to your teaching ability. We put so much heart and soul into the work you do. It’s impossible to predict who you will meet on your mat or what their needs are. artist’s impossible to know how the events will unfold. No matter how well you plan, you will eventually have to let things flow. Trust that you are knowledgeable enough to teach and reach others.

This is the ultimate form of practice: allowing yourself to feel your fear, surrender to your insecurity, and be open to what comes so that you can react accordingly. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you embrace your fears and calm your nerves so you can continue teaching.

What is affecting your confidence?

What is affecting your confidence, and how can you address it? Fear of judgment is the most common thing that makes us feel low. So, let’s start by letting go of self-doubt.

Accept your current position as a teacher, and have faith in yourself. Suppose you lack skill or understanding, practice, study, and train. Yoga teaching is an ongoing journey. We are always learning.

Introduce anchors.

Consider creating a ritual to calm your nerves before class. Take a deep breath and use an anchor when performance anxiety sets in. When you feel overwhelmed, your anchor can be either a song you like or a mantra you repeat. This will help you get into the right mindset.

Muhammad Ali would repeat over and over”r, “I AM the greatest. I AM the b”st.” Before every fight, Muhammad Ali would ‘There’s no one better than me.

Plan a bit, then just let it go.

Consider your main focus and key messages when planning retreats or classes. What is the common thread that makes everything come together to create a seamless experience for students? What is/are the most important things you would like students to remember today?

You can write down your peak poses and the wisdom that you wish to impart and then leave a small space to allow for changes so that you can adapt it to the person in front of you.

Practice, and everything will come.

Like everything else, teaching requires practice and discipline. It will sometimes go well, and sometimes it won’t. Continue! Teach others. Teaching yoga is the only way to become a better teacher. Please keep it simple and start small. Over time, you will become the teaDon’tyou want to be.

Don’t draw comparisons.

Do not be afraid to shine. Each of us is unique, and our individual life experiences determine our teaching style. Please”share it. Please share it.

“Be yourself because”se everyone else has taken.” Oscar Wilde

Yoga is not a popular competition. Some pedon’tlove you, and others don’t. You will eventually find your tribe.

Do not limit yourself to your subjective opinion.

Record yourself teaching audio or video. Play it back and cringe. Then, refine the parts that you dislike. Asking students for feedback can give you some insight into what you are doing well and where you need to improve.

Tradition says to be humble.

Respect the teachings of a 5,000-year-old tradition. Do not think it’s anything new or unique; it’s not necessary.

Your own experience can inform your teaching.

Yoga is a great way to learn. Try not to let your teaching interfere with your practice. Over time, it will teach you everything you need.

Remember that no matter where you are on your yoga journey, you have something to share with someone. You will enjoy the process of becoming more confident and comfortable with your teaching abilities.