Finding Your Yoga Teaching Niche: How I Discovered Mine

Transforming personal challenges into a meaningful yoga teaching path

The Winding Path to Purpose

When I initially unrolled my yoga mat, I found myself at a Gold's Gym, surrounded by a dozen other women, questioning what I was doing there. How could stretching in a group setting possibly alleviate my anxiety? I never anticipated that I would eventually become a yoga instructor, much less travel across the United States to specialize in trauma-informed practices, inspiring many others on my way.

Like many people, I turned to yoga to feel the benefits— yes, flexibility and strength was on my checklist, but mostly I wanted relaxation and relief from the tension. What I discovered was that and so much more. Yoga helped me reach parts of myself that felt cold and unreachable - that distant part of yourself that exists after encountering countless levels of pain. I never imaged that a rubber mat would turn into my greatest ally, as I rekindled a light and warmth in me that journeyed me through my past, bringing me to the present and inspiring me to look forward to my tomorrow.

My journey to becoming a yoga teacher wasn’t linear. It was filled with moments of doubt, unexpected turns, and beautiful revelations. Having already obtained an MBA, you can imagine the surprise and skepticism from others when I expressed my desire to pursue a career as a yoga teacher.

If you’re in a situation like I was years ago, thinking about becoming a certified yoga teacher and facing resistance from friends or family, know that you're not alone. Pursuing specialized paths is more common today than it once was, but it still often faces scrutiny.

Listening to Your History

We often view our past experiences—especially difficult ones—as obstacles to overcome. Yet, in the yoga world, these experiences can become our greatest teaching assets when approached with awareness and proper training.

In my late twenties and early thirties, I was troubled by anxiety, restlessness, and nightmares. Whenever I practiced on my mat, I observed how specific breathing exercises and gentle movements could soothe my nervous system like nothing else. During those uncertain nights, my aim was to find calmness and reach a state where I could fall asleep. Little did I know, this part of my personal journey was laying the groundwork for my future specialization.

Reflection exercise:

• What challenges have you faced that yoga has helped you navigate?

• In what ways could these experiences shape your teaching method?

The Moment of Clarity

I joined my 200-hour teacher training with a clear goal of wanting to learn how to cleanse my body of stress. I drove to Canada with a tent in the back of my car, not even knowing how to set it up. I came to the ashram feeling scared, nervous, and somewhat uncertain about my choice. It was definitely a new experience for me, yet it propelled my health and wellness journey in ways I never imagined possible.

After leaving the ashram following a month-long stay, I noticed my improvements, but I still didn't have a clear direction on how to apply my knowledge as a career.

I started teaching yoga to various groups and in different environments. Seniors were one of my favorite groups because I could observe them improving their balance, which was a rewarding experience.

I believe my turning point occurred when I got back into my car and traveled across the county to gain more knowledge. A journey like this can reveal a lot about your values, strengths, and ultimately your goals.

Before we fully grasp our true purpose, we can often encounter many detours. When we pause to reflect, things can begin to make sense, and we can gain greater clarity to all of our ups and downs. As I observed my students, it became visibly clear to me that everyone seeks relief from something. I realized that my experiences with trauma, anxiety, and stress wasn't a cloud that lingered over my head but rather a teacher that gave me a unique insight into how yoga practices can help regulate the nervous system. It offered me and others a practical approach to manage stress and literally regain our breath.

Finding Your Niche: Practical Steps

If you’re currently a yoga teacher seeking your specialty or a yoga practitioner considering teacher training, here are steps that helped me find clarity:

1. Honor Your Personal Journey

Your lived experiences contain wisdom. Whether you’ve overcome physical limitations, navigated mental health challenges, or found yoga during a major life transition, these experiences can inform your authentic teaching voice.

A new yoga instructor reached out to me after being advised by their mentor that they shouldn't teach yoga due to a history of trauma. Upon reading their message, my immediate reaction was to consider how common it is for people to have experienced some form of trauma these days so I was confused by their mentor’s logic. I found myself responding with a message that contradicted what their mentor had said because I genuinely believe that our past experiences shape who we are. We can choose to let our developed knowledge limit us and hinder our future, or we can embrace it gracefully and use it to assist others. For me, it is because of my past challenges, that I learned various techniques. Many of these techniques often lay the groundwork for my trauma-informed approach, which has since benefited countless students.

2. Follow Your Curiosity

Notice which aspects of yoga naturally draw your interest:

• Are you fascinated by the biomechanics of movement?

• Do you find yourself drawn to philosophical teachings?

• Do you light up when helping beginners find accessibility in poses?

• Are you interested in the therapeutic applications of yoga for specific conditions?

Your natural curiosities often point toward your unique gifts, serving as a compass that guides you toward discovering the talents and abilities that set you apart from others. When you find yourself drawn to specific topics, activities, or experiences, it is often a sign that you possess innate skills or passions that are waiting to be nurtured and developed. By paying close attention to what captivates your attention and ignites your enthusiasm, you can uncover the distinctive qualities that define your personal strengths. This will help you express your practice in a way that resonates with both you and those around you.

3. Seek Specialized Training

Once you identify areas of interest, it is crucial to invest in education that extends beyond the standard 200-hour certification. This foundational training is beneficial, but to truly excel and differentiate yourself in the holistic landscape, pursuing specialized paths can provide you with advanced knowledge and skills that are highly sought after.

Here are some specialized paths to consider:

• Advanced Yoga Teacher Training: Enrolling in advanced yoga teacher training programs, typically 300 to 500 hours long, can be transformative. These programs cover advanced asanas, anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodologies, emphasizing personal practice and developing a unique teaching style to connect more deeply with students.

• Therapeutic Yoga Certifications: Therapeutic yoga focuses on using yoga for healing and rehabilitation. Certifications train instructors to work with individuals with specific health conditions, injuries, or chronic pain, allowing tailored practices to meet clients' unique needs and make yoga accessible and beneficial for everyone.

• Yoga for Special Populations: Pursue certifications for teaching yoga to special populations like children, seniors, pregnant individuals, or individuals with disabilities. Specialized training addresses unique needs, equipping you to create safe, effective classes and broadening your teaching repertoire to serve diverse communities.

• Yoga Philosophy and History: Exploring the philosophical and historical aspects of yoga through workshops and courses on texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita can enrich your practice and teaching. These insights help convey yoga's deeper meanings, fostering a profound connection for your students.

• Mindfulness and Meditation Training: Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into yoga enhances the experience, promoting mental clarity, emotional stability, and stress reduction. Specialized training in these techniques helps guide classes that benefit both physical and mental well-being, making them more comprehensive.

• Workshops and Continuing Education: Attend workshops and continuing education programs regularly to learn new techniques, trends, and innovations in yoga. Engaging with other professionals can inspire creativity and enhance your teaching. Continuous learning is essential for staying relevant and effective in your practice.

  
  

Investing in specialized education beyond the basic certification can significantly enhance your skills, knowledge, and teaching capabilities. By exploring these various paths, you not only deepen your own practice but also enrich the experience of your students, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and informed yoga community.

4. Find Mentors and Coaches

Finding your niche becomes easier with guidance. Seek out teachers who specialize in areas that interest you and consider working with a mentor or coach who understands the yoga industry.

Transforming Past into Purpose

The most beautiful aspect of finding your yoga teaching niche is how it can transform difficult past experiences into sources of wisdom and service. When we begin to shift our perspective from viewing our past as being something to overcome into honoring and recognizing it as a source of wisdom, we rely upon:

• Self-compassion: exploring our personal experiences with nonjudgmental tendencies

• Professional boundaries: ensuring we’re teaching from a healed place, not a wounded one

• Proper training: joining supportive environments with evidence-based approaches

• Ongoing support: connecting with mentors, supervisors, and our own personal practices

Building a Sustainable Teaching Path

Once you’ve identified your niche, consider how to build a sustainable teaching practice:

• Identify your ideal students: Who would most benefit from your unique approach?

• Create targeted offerings: Develop classes, workshops or programs that address specific needs

• Find appropriate venues: Consider where your ideal students might already gather

• Communicate clearly: Develop language that authentically conveys your approach

• Continue learning: Commit to ongoing education in your specialty area

Embracing the Journey

Your yoga teaching path will be uniquely yours. It may lead you to teach in studios, clinical settings, community centers, or corporate environments. You might specialize in working with specific populations or addressing particular conditions. Whatever direction calls you, know that your personal history—especially the challenging parts—may hold the seeds of your most meaningful contributions as a teacher.

When approached with self-awareness, proper training, and positive coaching, your past experiences can become powerful fuel for a teaching practice that not only sustains you professionally but contributes to the healing journey of many in your community.

With love and light on your teaching journey,

About the Author: Christina Baggott, Founder of Yoga Soul Wellness Center, MBA, E-RYT500, YACEP, Certified Life Coach, Certified Meditation Coach, Reiki Master, Yoga Therapy Student.

I began my practice in 2008, on my trauma recovery journey and now I use my knowledge to inspire others to feel grounded, supported, and free from stress. I promote mindful, gentle approaches that enhance inner peace and happiness. My services help individuals regain cognitive function, restore balance, manage stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, build self-esteem, boost confidence, explore limiting beliefs, and establish healthy habits with clear goals. I advocate for gentle holistic recovery that harmonizes mind, body, and soul, welcoming all ages and levels.

I earned my 200-hour certification at the International Sivananda Centre in Canada and my 300-hour certification at Yogamu/Bhakti Yogshala in India (online program). My practice includes Trauma Informed Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yoga and Neuroscience, Yoga Nidra, Corporate Yoga, and Kids Yoga. Notable projects include teaching yoga to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence in NYC, senior refugees in Portland, ME, transitional youth in Reno, NV and youth in Lewiston, ME.

Ready to embrace yoga and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more balanced you?

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Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes only and is not meant to be considered as medical advice. It is important to note that yoga and life coaching can serve as compliments to professional mental health therapy, not replacements.