I’ve always wondered what makes a good yoga teacher.

I culled these qualities from articles which I researched on the net. Some came from feedback I got through discussions with my yoga mates, as well as those which I appreciated during my own limited yoga practice.

In order not to make the post unwieldy by referring to the teachers frequently as “he/she”, I am using the generic “he” to refer to both genders. The list is in no particular order of importance as I just listed them in as logical a sequence as possible.

A good yoga teacher ….

* welcomes and acknowledges the class before it starts. He makes each one feel beautiful and special and exudes a positive attitude towards the entire class.

* ensures that all his students, most specially new ones, are schooled in the proper way to breath. Breathing is key to doing yoga the right way. And yet, this basic item is sometimes overlooked by yoga teachers who jump directly into the asanas, call out the instruction “Breathe Deeply!” without proper background for newbies on how to do this properly. Bazu, in her blog, narrates that once, her teacher devoted the entire hour to breathing as they were not breathing effectively. In her words, “This was a luxury, because if all you get out of yoga is better breathing, you are in a very good place. Some yoga teachers just tell you to breathe, then leave you on your own.” I think first-timers would probably benefit more down the road in their practice if they start off their first class with an extended lesson on pranayama.

* asks, at the beginning of class, if there is anyone with injuries, strains, concerns or tensions. It even helps if he knows which women have their period that day. By being aware of these issues, he can make the necessary adjustments as the class progresses.

* knows how to choose asanas so that those with injuries get the help they need and those without injuries get challenged. He can do this by calling out modified poses for the injured and giving those without injuries instructions for deepening their poses. Knowing when to “nudge” to move the student a little ahead in his practice; knowing when to let the student “be” — that is a key balance that a good teacher will know how to strike out.

* explains and demonstrates poses, especially challenging ones. It helps if he points out common mistakes when doing such poses and gives specific instructions on the right way to do them. In more advanced classes, with experienced students, demonstrations may no longer be done but adjustments still remain crucial.

* finds time during some poses to share his knowledge of the benefits of the pose. He may say, for example, “The Plow is great for stretching your shoulders and spine and is good for stress and menopausal symptoms. However, it should be avoided when you have your period.” Or, “Camel is great for posture improvement and strengthens back muscles. However, those with high blood pressure or back injuries should avoid it or do this modified pose (and demonstrates it).” Many students just starting out may not know what poses are ok or not for their conditions. Doing them in a class with generic asana sequences can even aggravate their condition. Enlightening, simple commentaries like these can be done if, in the first place, the teacher is aware of injury or medical issues of his students. These will allow the students to do the pose or avoid it, if they have such conditions contraindicated by the poses. The students then become better equipped to tailor their private yoga self-practice according to what is beneficial for them.

* senses errors and spots weaknesses immediately and corrects graciously. He acknowledges your energy level (which may fluctuate from class to class), works with your current energy level, and gently encourages you in your practice. That means no bullying (forcing deepening poses), put-downs or anything of the sort. Students are in class for guidance and a good teacher must always guard and keep his ego “in check”.

* without sounding too flattering, he can give encouraging comments once in a while to give struggling students a sense of “success” or positive reinforcement to keep them coming back to class

* at the end of class, asks how the students feel. This is to validate that the class was indeed helpful to them and to bring that feedback into his next class.

* does not fail to thank the class

* practices what he preaches. That means he lives his life, treats his students, their emotions and attitudes with the grounding and peace brought forth by good yoga

i would love to hear from you if you have any other things to add to this list.

What has made your class a great one? Or NOT a great one?