The Art of Holding Space as a Yoga Instructor
As you step into your yoga studio the outside world fades away, and a journey within begins.
As a yoga instructor, the role of holding space is a delicate and important practice that shapes the entire experience for your students.
Through this blog post, we will explore the key elements of holding space and how maintaining ambience and energy contributes to the magic and impact of a yoga class.
1. The practice begins as you enter the studio:
A student’s yoga practice begins as soon as they walk into the studio.
When they are greeted by a warm and welcoming environment involving a personal greeting from the yoga instructor and a space that is clean and soothing for the senses, they feel safe and at ease. Their nervous system relaxes, and their practice begins.
2. Checking in with your students:
Before your class begins try to individually check in with each student.
Ask them if they have any injuries or concerns or if you can support them in any way to make their practice more comfortable.
You may like to ask them how their body is feeling or how their day has been.
As you check them off the class list, try to use and remember their names. Your personal greeting will make them feel a sense of belonging and community.
3. Honour silence and softness:
As you enter the studio to begin class, keep your voice soft, the lights dim and the music gentle. Be aware that some students might be in meditation or winding down from a busy day.
You may like to kindly ask students to keep chatter to the lounge area to maintain silence in the studio space.
Try to remember to tell students in reception what props will be required for their class, to minimise disruption and movement once they are already resting.
Try to avoid using bright lights on the ceiling, perhaps instead using dimming lights, lamps or candles.
Dimmer lighting is soothing for the nervous system and allows students to feel that they can relax into a cosy space with ease after or before a busy day.
The 5–10 minutes before class begins is time for students to transition from the external world to their inner self.
4. Opening meditation and intention setting:
Your class opening is a lovely way to set the energy and intention for your class.
A clear intention guides students through their practice and gives them an anchor to come back to if they get lost in their mind or if they need support navigating any inner judgments that may arise.
5. Savasana:
Savasana is a sacred time for students to transition from movement towards mediation.
As instructors, this could be seen as the most important time for us to hold space as students surrender to the present moment, integrate the benefits of their practice and let go of the ego, expectations, and attachments.
Savasana is a personal and deep inwards journey, so as you close the practice, you may like to invite students to stay in their savasana for as long as they need.
Our ability to create and hold a nurturing environment shapes the inner journey for our students, allowing them to find peace, connection, and profound self-discovery on their mat.
From the warm welcome at the entrance to the sacred moments of Savasana, each aspect contributes to the magic of each student’s yoga experience.
