top of page

I Never Thought I Would Be a Yoga Teacher

Writer's picture: Felicia HallFelicia Hall




If you had told me a few years ago that I would become a yoga teacher or even better yet an Educator who teaches others to become Yoga Teachers, I probably would have laughed. Not because I didn’t love yoga, but because I didn’t see myself as the kind of person who could stand in front of a class, guide others, or embody the wisdom and grace I associated with yoga instructors. Yet here I am—teaching yoga, learning from my students, and embracing a role I never thought I’d step into. Educator and Owner of a Yoga Studio.


Here’s my journey, and how saying “yes” to the unexpected has transformed my life.


My First Steps on the Mat


Like many people, I came to yoga for the physical benefits. I wanted to build strength, flexibility, and maybe de-stress a little along the way. I wasn’t looking for a deeper connection or a life-changing practice; I just wanted to move my body and feel good.


But yoga has a funny way of meeting you where you are and quietly reshaping you from the inside out. Over time, I noticed the mental and emotional shifts happening in my life especially after going through a dark time in my life of divorce, severe depression, anxiety and low sense of self worth. I remember my therapist telling me to practice yoga and me telling her that I was already practicing yoga. What I didn't realize at the time is when I was practicing yoga I felt more grounded, more at peace, and more curious about the practice beyond the poses.


Still, teaching was the furthest thing from my mind.


Imposter Syndrome: “I’m Not a Teacher”


Even as I deepened my practice, I carried a narrative that teaching wasn’t for me.


• “I’m not flexible enough.”

• “I don’t have the right body type.”

• “I’m too shy to stand in front of a room full of people.”

• “There are already so many amazing teachers out there—what could I possibly offer?”


These doubts kept me in my comfort zone for years. Teaching felt like something reserved for people with years of experience, natural confidence, or some kind of innate “yoga teacher” essence that I simply didn’t have.


The Shift: Following the Nudge


The turning point came when a friend encouraged me to join a yoga teacher training program—for me I joined not to become a teacher, but to deepen my own practice. That felt manageable. I could explore yoga philosophy, refine my alignment, and learn more about this practice that had given me so much.


But something unexpected happened during that training: I started to believe in myself.


• I realized that yoga isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being authentic.

• I learned that everyone has a unique voice and perspective to share.

• I saw how much joy I felt when I guided a peer through a sequence and watched them light up with understanding.


What started as a personal journey turned into a calling I couldn’t ignore.


Stepping into the Role of a Teacher


Becoming a yoga teacher wasn’t an overnight transformation. My first class was nerve-wracking. My voice shook, I forgot cues, and I second-guessed myself the entire time. But despite the nerves, something felt right.


With each class, I grew more comfortable, more confident, and more connected to my students. I realized that teaching yoga isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, holding space, and sharing the practice with others.


What Teaching Has Taught Me


Becoming a yoga teacher has been one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my life. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:


1. Everyone Has Something to Offer: You don’t need to be the most experienced or the most flexible person in the room to make a difference. Your authenticity is your greatest gift.

2. Teaching is a Practice, Too: Just like yoga itself, teaching is a journey of growth, learning, and imperfection.

3. Connection is Everything: Yoga is about connection—to yourself, to others, and to something greater. As a teacher, facilitating that connection is a privilege.

4. It’s Okay to Be Nervous: Even now, I sometimes feel as I like to say EXCITED before a class. But that excitement reminds me that I care deeply about what I do.


If You’re Hesitating, Take the Leap


If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the stories we tell ourselves about what we can’t do are rarely true. I never thought I’d be a yoga teacher, but the practice had other plans for me.


If you’ve ever felt a nudge to try something outside your comfort zone—whether it’s teaching yoga, starting a new hobby, or pursuing a dream that feels too big—trust that nudge. The path may be unfamiliar, but it could lead you somewhere beautiful.


Today, I feel so much gratitude for the journey that brought me here. Teaching yoga has not only deepened my own practice but also connected me with incredible people and taught me lessons I’ll carry for a lifetime.


So here’s to saying “yes” to the unexpected, embracing imperfection, and stepping into roles we never thought we could fill. You might just surprise yourself.


Join us for our Winter/Spring 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program, this will be the only one offered this year. So want to learn more, you can learn more HERE.




With love,


Felicia


1 view0 comments

Comments


©2021 by Soulful Healing

bottom of page