Life is hard—but how we show up for our students in difficult times can make all the difference.

In this episode, Sage Rountree shares how to create a consistent, supportive space for yoga students during tough times—for them or for us as teachers.

We'll explore:

Ritual and Consistency

Rituals offer comfort in challenging times. Sage emphasizes the power of a dependable class structure to help students process grief and trauma.

Showing Up for Students While Managing Your Own Emotions

Through personal stories, Sage highlights the importance of a teacher’s presence in helping students feel supported, even when words fall short.

Clean Energy in the Classroom

Focused energy keeps the class centered on students. Providing agency through options allows them to choose movement or stillness based on their needs.

When to Disclose Personal Challenges

Sharing personal stories can foster connection, but knowing when to keep struggles private ensures students remain the focus.

Practical Tips for Teachers

•Have a Go-To Lesson Plan: A familiar sequence helps you hold space when feeling emotionally depleted.

•Prepare for Hard Days: Use focus modes, keep backup subs on call, and prioritize your students’ needs.

Chapters:

Introduction (0:00): Welcome to today’s episode, exploring how yoga teachers can support students during difficult times.

Challenges of Showing Up in Hard Times (0:49): Teaching during national and global tragedies and navigating collective grief.

Consistency and Ritual for Students in Grief (2:03): The stabilizing power of ritual and how to create a dependable class structure.

Maintaining Clean Energy and Showing Up (5:26): Holding space with care and consistency, even in challenging circumstances.

Personal Story: Teaching During a Family Crisis (7:52): Sage shares experiences balancing personal grief and professional responsibilities.

Nothing Lets Go Unless It Feels Supported (14:01): The importance of support in creating space for emotional release.

The Importance of a Go-To Class Plan (18:45): Why every yoga teacher needs a reliable, adaptable lesson plan for tough days.

Conclusion and Affirmation (21:10): Centering students’ agency with the affirmation: “I hold the space with sympathy and clean energy.”

Additional Resources

Get Sage’s go-to lesson plan for challenging days: Greatest Hits Back-Pocket Lesson Plan

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Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Explore my continuing education workshops and 300/500-hour teacher training programs. It's all at sagerountree.com.