20/05/2026
Showing Up
A newly qualified teacher spoke to me recently about her new classes. She advertised a 6- week course on social media and it filled up pretty quickly . Sadly in the 3 days before her course started 5 people cancelled. She said it got to the point when a txt message came through she felt anxious. Its a question I get all the time, from teachers trying to build a business.
Its definitely a hard one and life happens, people get sick, but I also feel there should be some kind of commitment to what you have signed up for. Yoga teachers are generally empathetic and good natured, and at times this can be taken advantage of, leaving the teacher high and dry with a few people or worst still having to cancel.
Its a delicate subject, but my dear mother used to say. "You teach people how to treat you". I was getting my nails done last week and the girl said she had 4 cancellations for that day! ( A single mum running a small business! ) Business is tough, the holistic market probably gets the biggest hit, as it is all about wellness and health.
The way forward is respect and taking ownership for booking classes, workshops or retreats. As teachers we need to step up and protect ourselves, and put in place terms and conditions so we are not constantly losing out.
I am writing this because this teacher gave up teaching, as it had such a effect on her confidence. Becoming resilient is something that comes with experience, so I can understand if a newly qualified teacher has has to cancel her courses.
Come September together we will set up new classes, and a new system of booking.
Sometimes just knowing you are not alone in this situation makes a huge difference.
Its hard not to take it personally, especially when trying to get established.
Building a core following takes time, keep pressing on, its worth it and once you have your tribe they won't let you down. Teaching is so rewarding. Its a job you wake up in the morning excited to do. The possibilities are endless and if you can see the bigger picture your well on your way to success.
Never Give Up!
Lynda π