Teaching Hatha Yoga: Establishing Ethical Guidelines

By Rachel Holmes

As one of the most traditional methods of health and fitness, yoga is viewed by its practitioners around the world as a sacred art that maintains the highest of ethical standards. This is true not only of its students, but also those who are teaching the ancient art. However, in order to maintain high ethical standards, teachers need to continually make themselves aware of the most important ethical principles.

Of all the ethical principles yoga teachers must abide by, perhaps the most important is leading by example. Managing their personal lives in a healthy way physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually all are deemed to be extremely important. If for any reason an instructor has personal problems or conflicts, it's vital that they be handled in a healthy and appropriate fashion.

Along with this, maintaining professional boundaries with students is also an important key to teaching great classes. While it is perfectly acceptable to develop friendships with students along the way, the best teachers know that when class begins, there are no favorites and all relationships are maintained in a very professional manner.

Because the practice of yoga is open to all who wish to embrace good physical and mental health, yoga teachers should avoid discriminating against or refusing any professional help to others on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or other factors. Always expected to use excellent perspective and judgment in their classes, teachers should cultivate an attitude of humanity when teaching their students. In doing so, they ultimately dedicate themselves to something greater, resulting in an excellent teaching experience.

To ensure they provide their students with the greatest possible class experience, teachers should always dedicate themselves to staying abreast of the latest developments in yoga. Continuing education classes, seminars, workshops, and more should all be a part of their professional life, ensuring their students will be given every opportunity to learn the latest techniques and improve their lives in every possible way.

By following these and numerous other ethical standards, yoga teachers as well as their students can enjoy classes that are fun, informative, and professional.

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