Living Your Yoga - embodied wisdom with Shirlee Williams
This isn’t your average yoga podcast.
Living Your Yoga – Embodied Wisdom is where real life meets real practice—no filter, no fluff, no forced enlightenment.
I’m Shirlee—yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, and mentor to yoga teachers who are done with performance and ready to show up as their whole, messy, magical selves.
Each week, we explore how yoga lives beyond the mat—through stories, soul talk, deep breaths, and occasional sass. From parenting and partnership to pigeon pose and panic attacks, this podcast is about the real practice: how we show up when life gets loud, uncertain, or beautifully ordinary.
Expect a little wisdom, a little humor, and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re a longtime yogi or yoga-curious human just trying to make it through Monday, you’re welcome here.
Take a breath. Let’s begin.
Living Your Yoga - embodied wisdom with Shirlee Williams
Playing the Edge as a Yoga Teacher
Hey friends—welcome back to Teacher Style. Tales from the closet continue (yes, that’s still a podcast idea of its own!).
Today’s conversation is all about Playing the Edge as a Teacher. Not about pushing our students deeper into poses, but about stretching our own comfort zones so we can grow into the best possible teachers.
I share my very first teaching story back in 2004—nervous, over-prepared, voice shaking—and how that experience changed everything. Playing the edge is about saying yes to what scares us and then showing up anyway.
Here are 5 ways teachers can stretch their edge:
- Experiment with your voice & language – Use tone, energy, and silence as teaching tools.
- Vary your sequence – Trust yourself, add philosophy, and weave in themes that challenge your creativity.
- Share more of yourself – Tell stories, be vulnerable, laugh at yourself, and call yourself out.
- Trust the room – Stop micromanaging. Give your students space, silence, and time to explore.
- Teach what scares you – Whether it’s meditation, breathwork, or a pose you don’t always demo—lean in.
Remember: your edge isn’t about pushing students harder. It’s about modeling growth, showing your humanness, and giving them permission to explore theirs.
✨ Reflective Question: What are you avoiding because it feels uncomfortable?
That’s the edge calling you forward.
If you’re looking for deeper support, mentorship, or inspiration, check the links
- Mentorship Packages 👉🏼 https://www.shirleewilliams.com/mentorship
- The Studio Membership 👉🏼 https://www.shirleewilliams.com/thestudio
- Retreats in Costa Rica (2026) 👉🏼 https://www.shirleewilliams.com/retreats
Lots of love, teachers. Until next week—keep playing your edge.
Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shirleewilliamsliving/
Make sure to check out all my offerings: https://www.shirleewilliams.com/