What is mentoring and why do we need it?
“Mentoring” is a modern word that describes an integral part of the tradition of yoga throughout history. It includes the guidance given between teacher and trainee or student, as well as the ongoing professional and personal guidance necessary for all yoga teachers, at all levels of seniority and experience, as part of the continuing journey of yoga.
At Yoga Australia, we acknowledge that the discipline and pathway of yoga in our modern society are rapidly evolving. Yoga teachers across all traditions, and in all walks of life, are faced with a variety of challenges and opportunities to learn on a daily basis.
Negotiating these complex times as a solo teacher can sometimes be extremely daunting. Engaging a mentor can mean the difference between advancing in your skills at a halting pace, to accelerating smoothly into your growing presence as a yoga teacher, instilling confidence and enjoyment in this vocation.
A mentor also gives the backdrop of an accountability partner, inspiring you to continue to develop your own practice, to find balance in your teaching, and to take care of yourself as a yoga teacher. A mentor is a living resource helping you to find your own unique way forward. We all benefit from somebody to lean on!
Updated May 17, 2022
"Mentors don’t lead the way. They help you find your direction."