In a recent post on a yoga subreddit, a user named Mediocre_Cut9682 discussed their eye-opening experience of cueing yoga asana sequences for the first time. Officially in their 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program, they expressed surprise at the complexities involved in cueing, despite their familiarity with Sun Salutations, having practiced Ashtanga yoga regularly. Describing their initial cueing attempt as sounding like ‘verbal diarrhea,’ they highlighted the nerves and humbling realization that cueing is a different beast compared to personal practice. The post resonated strongly with fellow yoga practitioners and future teachers, leading to a torrent of comments sharing personal anecdotes and valuable advice.
Summary
- Mediocre_Cut9682 shares a humorous but relatable experience of stumbling through their first cueing attempt during YTT.
- The community responds with encouragement, highlighting that feeling nervous is a common struggle for new yoga teachers.
- Many users provide helpful advice on how to improve and share their own experiences with cueing challenges.
- There’s a recurring theme that practice and awareness of pacing can significantly ease the cueing process.
The Challenges of Cueing: A Common Experience
For many aspiring yoga teachers, the thought of standing in front of a class and verbally guiding students through poses can spark a mix of excitement and pure dread. In their post, Mediocre_Cut9682 expressed feelings of disbelief at how difficult it was to articulate cues in real-time. As users chimed in, anecdotes flowed in illustrating that this struggle is virtually universal among those stepping into a teaching role for the first time. JoanClaytonesq shared a particularly relatable moment: ‘I actually forgot most of what a sun salutation was. I skipped half the asanas.’ This sentiment resonated with several others, emphasizing that despite their extensive familiarity with the poses, the pressures of teaching can cause a mental blackout.
Words of Wisdom from Experienced Teachers
Amidst the shared experiences of new teachers, many seasoned yogis offered their wisdom on how to tackle the nerves associated with cueing. A key piece of advice that came up repeatedly was to slow down and simplify verbal cues. Treehugger0223 emphasized the importance of cutting out filler language: ‘You’re not alone!.’ This idea of restraint can be pivotal; as RonSwanSong87 noted, ‘That’s good advice to say less than half of what you’d think and go slower. Also helps to breathe.’ Here, the underlying message is clear: less is often more when it comes to cueing. Beginners often rely on a wealth of complex cues that can overwhelm them, while those experienced practitioners are usually somewhat familiar with the movements.
Practice Makes Perfect, Literally!
Mediocre_Cut9682’s post tapped into a collective understanding that improvement in cueing comes with dedicated practice. Many commenters shared various strategies to refine their skills. Qwikkid099 recommended practicing cues aloud at home, framing it as practicing not just for the sake of memorization, but to ensure that cues felt organic and natural. Given that students often connect better with authentic delivery, the advice resonates deeply. Moreover, milosaurusrex noted, ‘It’s tougher than it looks!’ suggesting that the complexity of teaching requires time, patience, and ongoing learning. Others suggest recording themselves during practice sessions, citing it as a beneficial way to get used to the sounds of their own instructions.
Community Support: A Lifeline to Confidence
The sense of community among budding yoga teachers was striking in the comments section. Beyond sharing useful tips and experiences, commenters often offered moral support to one another. Ryllan1313 humorously shared, ‘My cats, house plants, and childhood stuffies are all now seasoned yogis,’ showcasing lightheartedness amidst their struggles. This camaraderie fosters a supportive environment in which teachers can flourish and learn together, turning an intimidating task into a shared journey of growth. JootieBootie even mentioned, ‘I’m cueing two Surya A’s, two C’s, and 4 B,’ while describing the different methods they applied to rehearse during downtime, adding a layer of resourcefulness to their practice. This spirit of collaboration shines through as these new teachers lean on each other for support.
As these aspiring teachers navigate the trials of their journeys, it becomes evident that everyone experiences challenges in their early days. However, through shared experiences, insightful tips, and laughs over their missteps, they gradually transform into skilled instructors. They realize that cueing is not just about the words spoken; it’s also about connecting with students on a deeper level, creating a vibrant class atmosphere, and ensuring everyone feels guided yet relaxed. Ultimately, as they learn to embrace their unique teaching styles and break free from the anxiety of early teaching, the joy of cueing can become one of the most rewarding aspects of their yoga practice. Whether sharing awkward first cueing moments or celebrating small victories, the journey holds tremendous potential for growth and connection.