Yoga Teacher Tips: How Sutra 1.2 Can Help You Teach with Presence
Discover how Yoga Sutra 1.2 (Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ) can transform your teaching. Learn tips to steady your mind, improve confidence, and create a more impactful yoga class.
One of the most powerful teachings in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ (Sutra 1.2), which translates to: Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.
What Are the Yoga Sutras?
The Yoga Sutras, compiled by the sage Patanjali, are a foundational text of yoga philosophy. They consist of 196 short aphorisms that outline the path of yoga, covering everything from ethical living and meditation to the nature of the mind. These sutras provide guidance on how to cultivate inner peace, develop self-awareness, and ultimately experience liberation (moksha). Rather than focusing solely on physical postures, the Yoga Sutras emphasize the deeper dimensions of yoga, including mental discipline, mindfulness, and spiritual awakening.
Why Sutra 1.2 Matters for Yoga Teachers
As yoga teachers, we often focus on guiding students through physical postures, breathwork, and meditation, but how often do we apply this principle to our own teaching practice? The ability to steady the mind directly impacts our presence, energy, and effectiveness as instructors.
Steadying Your Mind as a Teacher
Teaching yoga isn’t just about cueing poses—it’s about creating an energetic container for your students. If your mind is racing with thoughts (Did I forget a pose? What if they don’t like this sequence? Am I doing this right?), that energy is felt in the room. A steady, present mind allows you to:
Read the room: Notice students' breath, posture, and energy levels to adjust your class as needed.
Deliver with confidence: Your cues and sequencing land more clearly when you’re not second-guessing yourself.
Stay adaptable: When surprises arise (like a student modifying unexpectedly or tech issues in a virtual class), you can respond with grace rather than stress.
How to Cultivate a Steady Teaching Mindset
Breathe Before You Teach – Before stepping into the studio (or logging into a virtual class), take a few intentional breaths. A few rounds of Sama Vritti (equal breath) or Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) can calm the nervous system and bring clarity.
Anchor in a Mantra or Prayer – Create a phrase that grounds you in your purpose, such as "I am present and steady." or "I teach from a place of service." Repeating this before class helps set your energetic tone.
Trust the Practice – Your students don’t need perfection. They need presence. If you forget a pose or mix up a sequence, breathe and move on. Trust that the essence of yoga is not in flawless instruction but in the intention you bring.
Pause and Listen – Teaching isn’t just about speaking. Allow space for silence, reflection, and student engagement. When you pause, you allow your words to land and give your students time to integrate what you’re sharing.
Bringing it Back to Sutra 1.2
Yoga is about finding steadiness in the midst of movement—both physically and mentally. As teachers, we have the opportunity to model this by being steady, present, and intentional in our teaching. When your mind is calm, your students feel it. When your energy is grounded, your class benefits.
Take Your Teaching Further
If you’re ready to deepen your ability to teach with confidence, presence, and purpose, join Harmony in the Hustle, my self-paced training designed to help yoga teachers find balance, avoid burnout, and elevate their teaching. So the next time you step into a teaching space, take a deep breath, settle your mind, and trust that you are exactly where you need to be.
Living in Harmony
Creating harmony in the hustle isn’t about avoiding work or responsibility. It’s about approaching your commitments with mindfulness, clarity, and purpose. When you say yes to what truly matters, you open the door to greater alignment, joy, and impact.
By integrating these yogic principles into your daily life, you can shift from feeling overwhelmed by the hustle to experiencing harmony within it. It’s a journey of self-discovery and intentional living—one where every yes becomes an affirmation of your deepest values and aspirations.