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The other evening, I had the pleasure of meeting someone who follows my emails. She shared how she saves them—even wanting to reply to a recent one—and it filled me with gratitude. There’s something profoundly energizing about knowing words resonate and spark connection.
We spoke about yoga and teaching. She shared how she doesn’t align with the traditional studio model, craving a more reciprocal relationship between teacher and student. Not a “Let me impart my wisdom onto you” dynamic, but an exchange rooted in curiosity: “What’s going on today? How are you? What’s coming up for you?” This resonated profoundly and took me back to my own teaching journey, which began in a system that often placed the teacher on a pedestal as the ultimate authority.
I couldn’t agree more. In my classes, I strive to create opportunities for engagement and banter when it feels right. I also aim to leave space—space for your experience and your body’s innate intelligence to shape your practice. Over the years, I’ve moved away from over-cueing or dictating what you “should” feel or the "proper" alignment. Our bodies are brilliant: living, breathing organisms adapting to our lives, environments, and experiences. Your body’s wisdom matters deeply. And, as I often say, when you know a technique, you know a technique; when you understand a concept, you know a thousand techniques. This principle guides me in all aspects of my life as I continually learn and grow.
This conversation also brought me back to something I’ve been exploring for years: power dynamics. So much of our world encourages us to seek validation, advice, and knowledge outside ourselves. This often creates a “power over/power under” dynamic. But what if we leaned into something different? What if we embraced “power with” and “power within”?
In my somatic coaching work, I often step back to make room for personal wisdom to emerge. It’s counterintuitive at times—especially in a culture that urges us to lean in with our ideas, solutions, and input. Yet, there is beauty in allowing spaciousness in the process. There is beauty in meeting each other as fellow humans, co-explorers. Power with. Power within.
The “rockstar status” cultivated in the yoga world is something I’ve experienced firsthand. Having co-owned and run several yoga studios, I spent quite a bit of time being placed on a pedestal. Early in my teaching journey, I noticed how easy it was to slip into a dynamic where students look to the teacher as the ultimate authority. While I’ve always been committed to learning and sharing knowledge, I also recognize the importance of continually evolving.
Longevity in this work, for me, lies in integrity and growth. It’s about dismantling hierarchies and fostering an environment where every person’s wisdom is valued—teacher and student alike.
This reflection on power dynamics has not only shaped my teaching but also deepened my personal practice. It reminds me that connection and curiosity often lead to the most profound growth. This approach—whether in yoga, somatic work, or simply connecting with others—feels like the foundation of something truly transformative. It’s an invitation to trust the brilliance of your body and your being, and to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
To help you explore this further, I’m offering a free PDF on somatic orienting—a simple yet powerful practice that brings you back to the present moment by focusing on bodily sensations via the senses. When we are present and return to ourselves, we reclaim a sense of agency. Download your free somatic orienting guide below.
I invite you to try the somatic orienting practice and share your insights. Your experiences and perspectives are valuable, and I'd love to hear them. If you have any questions or even your own tips and tricks for staying resourced in the moment, please feel free to share them in the comments below. Let's continue to learn from each other and grow together.
This practice, along with embracing power with and power within, has been a cornerstone of my work and personal growth. Let’s continue to share, connect, and grow together. Your engagement and contributions can help enrich our community and foster a culture of learning and growth.
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