You’re teaching warrior two. Your student, let’s call him Joe, decides to work on his press handstand instead. Then you’re teaching crow and Joe decides that this is a great time to do some supine hip openers. On the day that you decide to do a prop heavy wall class, Joe tells you with some asperity that he never uses props.
So, what do you do when your yoga students ignore you and do their own thing?
Well, friends, I’ve been ignored by a lot of students for a lot of different reasons over the years, and rule number one? Do not take it personally.
Do not take it personally.
I used to become very grouchy when students did their personal practice in the middle of a group class. Here I was, trying to teach power, and Gertrude was practicing restorative in the corner, surrounded by bolsters. Being a little control freak (and taking myself just a wee bit seriously), I was miffed that students would come to my class and not actually, well, listen.
Why They Do It
However, over the years, I have learned that students may ignore you for some pretty good reasons:
- they yearn to be in their yogi community, but can’t physically do what you’re offering
- they can’t do power, but this was the only time on the schedule they could come do now that their kids are home from school
- they’re dying to practice handstand, and simply won’t do it on their own; the class gives them motivation to practice
- they’re pregnant or injured, and didn’t feel like announcing it to a huge classroom of people
- they actually told you that they were injured last week, and you forgot
- they have a head injury
- they really didn’t think you’d mind
Bottom line?
It doesn’t matter why they’re doing their own thing. It’s fine that they’re doing it. (After all, didn’t you tell them at some point to listen to their bodies?) When you get that gremlin feeling in your gut about it, check in and see if it’s your ego that is calling the shots. Because the last thing that you want is to get in a pissing contest about who’s right in a classroom of yogis.
What You Can Do
My teacher Chris Chavez is an amazingly charismatic teacher (I don’t know how anyone wouldn’t hang on his every word). But even Chris has had self-practicing students in his class. He says: “I don’t give it energy.”
“Don’t give it energy.” – Chris Chavez
If someone is doing their own thing, well, that’s just fine. Turn your attention to the students in the room who are interested in what you’re saying and pour your energy to them. You don’t have to ignore your self-practicing students, but it’s appropriate to put your energy in the direction of those who are listening. This will send a message to your class that hey, it’s no big deal, they don’t have to worry about Gertrude and Joe! If you’re okay with it; generally they will be too. They will follow your lead.
When To Intervene
While I’m pretty chill about people doing their own practice in class, I will intervene in a few cases.
If the student is a danger to themselves or others.
If Joe is doing handstand and about to fall over onto his neighbour yogi, I will not hesitate to publicly tell him to stop. Sometimes loudly and from across the room. If a yogi can control their advanced poses, well, then okay! But the moment someone could get hurt, the party is over.
If they are a distraction to students.
As a teacher, our role is to protect the class dynamic. When one person’s behaviour begins to make other students uncomfortable, then our role is to step in and intervene. That’s part of our job. And we’re really the only one in the room who can do it.
If they’re in the front row.
Sometimes more advanced yogis love to take the complex version of every pose. They turn every sun salutation into a handstand practice, and twisted chair into firefly pose. In my heart, I give them high fives for their dedication and stamina. But if they insist on setting up their mat in front of a bunch of beginners, I’m going to have a chat with them after class and ask them to please set up their mat in the back.
Beginners need role models in a group class; they don’t need to be intimidated or confused by complex variations. Any yogi worth his or her salt will understand and not mind setting up his or her mat discreetly.
Got any thorny class questions? Email me at info@rachelyoga.com and let’s do a post about it!
