92: Right Brain Skills for Yoga Teachers: Community Conversations with Sandy Raper

Yoga teachers love a good training. When in doubt, many of us tend to look for more technical skill – more evidence, more information, more protocols and strategies. But what if the true magic of the teacher student relationship lies elsewhere: not in perfection, but in presence.

Today’s episode hones in on right brain or relational teaching skills, which are less about WHAT we teach and more about HOW we teach it. Our guest, Sandy Raper, is a long-time yoga teacher, teacher trainer, author and mentor. In this episode, she shares her right brain teaching tips for both new and experienced yoga teachers with host Rachel.

Listen to this episode to learn the difference between left brain and right brain skills, why you should let go of your plan to leave space for next time, how to build trust with your students, and the vital importance of remembering your “why”.

“Students are not looking for perfection, they are looking for presence and engagement.” – Sandy Raper

YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE AND LISTEN TO THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS. AND BE SURE TO LEAVE US A RATING AND REVIEW!

“If we are not careful, we will miss the people coming in and the beautiful relational aspect that has that emotional quality.” – Sandy Raper

Show Notes:

• Our tendency to lean into left brain teaching skills [3:05]
• Left versus right brain skills [4:51]
• Tips for new teachers: leave room for “next time” [8:35]
• Build trust with students: presence and progress, not perfection [14:37]
• One-on-one versus group teaching skills [23:13]
• What keeps students coming back? [33:28]
• Supporting longevity as a teacher [37:22]
• How to develop right brain skills [45:40]
• Final reflections [53:46]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Connect with Sandy Raper:

Sandy Raper | Beyond Yoga Teacher Training Podcast | Facebook | Instagram

“Just being okay with you being you teaching is a beautiful gift to give to your community.” – Sandy Raper