Sitting Among My Teachers: On Honour, Humility, and Coming Home

Last night was one of those moments that lives inside you — the kind of experience that softens something within while simultaneously igniting a deeper fire. I had the immense honour of sitting in a room surrounded by some of my favourite teachers, mentors, and guides during our studio meeting. Humans who have not only inspired me on my journey but who, quite literally, taught me how to teach.

These are the teachers who have shaped my voice, my practice, and my heart. The ones whose classes I step into multiple times a week. The ones who continue to remind me what it means to show up — fully, authentically, and with devotion. To sit among them as both a student and a teacher was humbling beyond words.

Even now, as I write, my heart is full and a little tender. To be invited into that space felt sacred — not just because of who was there, but because of the intention that brought us together: to learn, to listen, and to grow as a community.

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The Honour of Being in the Room

From the moment I arrived, I could feel the energy humming — the collective devotion, the years of experience, the love of practice radiating from everyone around me. I paused often just to breathe it in, knowing I was witnessing something rare and deeply special.

I’ve always believed yoga is less about the shapes we make and more about the spaces we create — within ourselves and together. Last night reminded me of that truth in the most profound way. The room itself felt alive — with wisdom, with presence, with the subtle energy of something bigger than any one of us.

When Imposter Syndrome Walks In

And yet, as beautiful as it was, sitting in that room also brought up a deep wave of imposter syndrome.

As sharing began — sharing their insights, their experiences, their years of study and devotion — I felt that familiar tug:

"Do I belong here? Am I enough? Have I earned this seat?"

These are the humans who shaped me. Who taught me how to guide breath, how to hold space, how to move bodies and souls with intention. To sit beside them as a peer felt both surreal and intimidating.

But somewhere between the silence and the laughter, something shifted. I remembered that being part of this circle isn’t about knowing everything. It isn’t about mastery or perfection or comparison. It’s about showing up fully — as a student first, with curiosity and humility, always willing to learn.

Yoga, after all, isn’t something we arrive at. It’s something we return to — over and over again. And as I softened into that truth, the doubts quieted. I realized I belong here, not because I have it all figured out, but because I’m willing to keep showing up.

A Living, Breathing Community

More than anything, last night reminded me that yoga is alive. It’s not something fixed on the mat or bound to the poses; it moves through us — hand to hand, heart to heart. It lives in the way we gather, in the stories we share, and in the quiet moments between words when presence says more than language ever could.

To sit among the very humans who taught me how to teach — the ones who continue to guide me multiple times a week, who shape the way I hold space, and who inspire me endlessly — felt like being cradled in the roots of this practice. It was a reminder of the lineage we’re all a part of, this invisible thread that connects teacher to student, student to teacher, over and over again.

I left carrying a sense of possibility, a quiet knowing that there is still so much more to explore — in my own practice, in community, and in the spaces we create together. And beneath it all, I left carrying gratitude.

Gratitude for this space. Gratitude for this path.
Gratitude for these teachers.
Gratitude for the reminder that none of us are walking it alone.

Closing the Circle

As I write these words, I feel a deep sense of belonging — not because of achievement or expertise, but because last night reminded me of something simple and profound:

We’re all walking this path together.
Teachers, students, seekers, humans.

We learn from each other. We hold each other. We inspire each other.

What began as a night meant for connection and alignment within our beautiful space unfolded into something much deeper — an invitation into introspection, gratitude, and reflection. I left feeling cracked open in the most expansive way, so full of reverence for this practice and this community that it inspired me to sit here today and write these words.

I am humbled, honoured, and endlessly grateful to keep learning alongside such incredible beings — the ones who lit this path for me and continue to guide me forward.

To everyone in that room: thank you. For your wisdom, your generosity, and the spaces you create where we can gather, soften, and grow together.

With so much love and devotion,
Sativa

My Journey as a Yoga Teacher: A Reflection of Balance, Devotion, and Transformation

My name, Sativa, carries deep significance, rooted in the divine love story of the Hindu deities Sati and Shiva. Their relationship is a beautiful symbol of unwavering devotion, balance, and cosmic transformation. Sati, the goddess of loyalty and self-sacrifice, loved Shiva, the god of yoga and transformation, with a devotion that transcended life and death. This eternal connection between the divine feminine and masculine energies inspires my own journey with yoga.

Much like the balance between Shiva's dynamic energy and Sati's serene devotion, I strive to bring harmony into my teaching, intertwining movement and stillness, strength and surrender. My name is not just a reminder of this cosmic balance but also a reflection of the balance I seek to help my students find in their own lives, both on and off the mat.

My Early Journey with Yoga

Yoga has been with me since birth, thanks to the influence of my mother. For all 23 years of my life, it has been my constant guide, supporting me through the highs and lows. Growing up as a competitive dancer, yoga provided the grounding I needed to balance the physical and emotional demands of the sport. It taught me how to listen to my body, to be mindful of alignment, and to find moments of stillness amidst the whirlwind of movement.

This early connection to yoga shaped me into the compassionate and insightful instructor I am today. My personal practice has evolved over the years, informed by countless hours of learning and teaching. I’ve come to deeply value the balance of yin and yang—two opposing yet complementary forces that mirror the natural rhythms of life. In my classes, I incorporate this philosophy to create a blend of dynamic flow and restorative stillness, helping students cultivate both strength and flexibility.

From Dance to Yoga

My background in competitive dance gave me a profound understanding of body movement, alignment, and flow. These skills translate seamlessly into my yoga teaching, where I emphasize proper alignment and mindful, dance-like transitions. I believe that yoga should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level, so my classes are designed to meet students where they are while challenging them to grow. Whether guiding a beginner or an advanced practitioner, I focus on helping my students build both physical strength and inner awareness.

Grateful for My Teachers

I owe much of my growth as a yoga teacher to the many remarkable mentors I’ve had the privilege of learning from. These teachers have shared their wisdom with me, and their insights continue to influence my practice and teaching style. Each day, I am filled with gratitude for their guidance, and it is this gratitude that fuels my desire to share yoga with others. Through teaching, I aim to pass on the transformative power of yoga, helping my students achieve physical, mental, and emotional balance.

Teaching Philosophy: Balance and Transformation

Yoga, for me, is a practice of transformation. It’s not just about the poses or the physical benefits—it’s about cultivating a deeper connection to oneself and finding balance in life. This philosophy underpins everything I do as a yoga teacher. In my classes, I create an environment where students can explore their own potential, whether through a challenging flow or a restorative yin practice. I encourage them to listen to their bodies, honor their needs, and embrace the journey of self-discovery that yoga offers.

Through compassionate guidance, I hope to inspire my students to embark on their own journeys with yoga. I aim to foster physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience in everyone who practices with me. Whether you're seeking balance, strength, or a deeper sense of self, yoga has the power to transform your life—as it has transformed mine.

By sharing my journey as a yoga teacher, I hope to inspire others to explore the profound practice of yoga and discover the balance and transformation it can bring. Join me on the mat as we cultivate harmony between movement and stillness, strength and surrender, and the divine balance within ourselves.