I've been teaching yoga for 12 years and I still can't do a handstand. I love binging on netflix and eating donuts when I'm sad. So when I hear students say "who I am to be a yoga teacher?!" or "I could never be a teacher because I can't touch my toes," I cringe.

Becoming a yoga teacher is a process of learning humility and communication skills. Sure you learn how to observe someone's skeleton and how it moves, and make suggestions for ways of finding more freedom from there, but it's not a process of perfecting ourselves or anyone else.

A skillful yoga teacher is loved for their clarity, compassion, and insight. And if you love your yoga teacher for their buff shoulders, well, I'm sorry. I get it, I like buff shoulders, too, but I can get that from anyone, and it's not really why I go to yoga.

I recently asked some random people what they looked for in a yoga teacher, and here's what they said:

"i want to see thoughtfulness in the programming"
"i need a clear explanation of what they want me to do,"
"i love consistency in the practice, it helps me feel grounded"
"it's all about their energy - how i feel in their presence"
"a good balance of challenge and predictability."

So even though we are bombarded with images of what yoga teachers LOOK like, remember what draws you to the teachers YOU love.

No matter how old you are, how overweight, inflexible, or stubborn, consider training in the art of teaching yoga. It's your love of the practice and your interest in helping others that will light up the room.

And if you want to train with me, even thought I can't teach you how to do a handstand, please visit http://www.sallysaenz.com/teacher-training-1/100-hour-yin-yoga-teacher-training. It would be an honor to have you, and all of your imperfections, in the group.