Teaching yoga is weird. For many of us, we enter into teaching because we love yoga, and it helped us in some way. We take a 200 or 500hr Yoga Teacher Training, and come out the other side a teacher. Oftentimes students look up to us, and it can be tempting to get real comfy up on that pedestal. Then there are the power dynamics, lack of peer & workplace support and need to embrace business and marketing to make ends meet.
My guest today, Tori Lunden, opens up about her journey as a yoga teacher, the ups and downs she’s experienced, and shares a message that we all mess up, yet we can all commit to doing better.
If you’ve struggled with or suffered from manipulation, elitism, imposter syndrome, and bewilderment when it comes to applying any sort of personal and professional boundaries to what we do - then this episode is for you.
ABOUT TORI
After two and half decades of spiritual searching, Tori's outlook on life can be summed up simply as, "Just be kind and maybe try therapy." A teacher since 2008, Tori's approach to yoga is a balance of pragmatism and irreverence. The same can be said for her writing style. Tori Self published her first book, "How not to Teach Yoga: Lessons on Boundaries, Accountability, and Vulnerability - Learnt the Hard Way" in February of 2021. The book combines personal stories with suggested best practices and guided self reflections.
Tori has a degree in Social Work through the University of Calgary. Though no longer practicing social work in a formal setting, she remains committed to social justice and building healthier communities. Her current yoga teaching practice is guided by the three pillars of her social work practice; person centered, anti oppressive, and strengths based.
PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS
FIND TORI LUNDEN
FIND CORA
For links & resources mentioned in this episode go to www.corageroux.com/episode79