How Much “Woowoo” is Too Much in a Yoga Class?

I wonder about this frequently.  I wonder about it from both a student’s and a teacher’s perspective.

When I refer to “woowoo”, in general, I’m referring to being descriptive of espousing New Age theories such as energy work, crystal magic, Reiki, or religious beliefs and practices other than Judeo-Christian.  As far as a yoga class is concerned, I’m extending the definition to include such thinks as talking about yoga philosophy, the Chakras, Hindu mythology, using Sanskrit terms, chanting mantras or even a shared “Om” at the end of class.  Personally, I have been to classes where any, and all of these elements were heavily incorporated.  While people deeply steeped into yoga may think of these things as “normal”, to others this stuff can seem “out there” or weird. 

So, how much is too much really depends.  To begin with, geography has a role.  In certain areas, particular things would be more acceptable – possibly even expected – than in other locales.  Teaching yoga is actually a form of public speaking and as a public speaker, you have to know your audience.  We, as yoga teachers, have to take into account the sensitivities and needs of the community in which we serve.

I believe most students who come to yoga class have some interest in learning about yoga beyond practicing the poses.  The level of interest may vary to a large degree just as the level of ability and capability varies within a class.  The challenge to the teacher is to present enough information to add to the class’s knowledge base without going overboard.  If students want to learn more, it is very easy for them to do so in today’s world. 

If a teacher is teaching in an environment where students can just drop into class versus a series of classes, that changes my answer too.  In a series of classes, you can build knowledge up over time and go deeper into some of these complex practices or beliefs.  With a situation where students just drop in when they want, I keep it more basic so that I’m not offering up information where anyone will feel lost.  I do not worry about students coming to a repeat of a topic.  For philosophical or esoteric themes, I only focus on a subject once a year.  Even if a student happens to be in class for that same subject matter in back to back years, it is good to revisit the information.  Plus, I do change up my offering each time to some degree. As I deepen my own knowledge base and sophistication in understanding, it’s reflected in how I tackle the information I’m presenting. 

Of course, how the information is presented matters tremendously.  If a teacher is teaching a general class (“vinyasa”, “gentle”, or “slow flow” for example), within the specific style of that class, there are endless ways to teach those classes.  Students mostly learn what to expect from a teacher by coming to a handful of classes.  This gives them a sense for how the teacher designs the class themes and how much the teacher incorporates yoga philosophy. 

If the teacher is handling the esoteric elements in an appealing way, this will contribute to students wanting to return.  What makes for an appealing way?  There are many ways that could be appealing.  As for my own approach, I explain in plain language the topic including some examples.  I like to give some practical explanation as to why this is important to understand.  And, finally, how the concept is going to figure into the physical practice of the class.  My goal is really to give enough unbiased information that gets my point across.  I think of my role as like being a docent or a guide and not a place for me to push my own beliefs or give ringing endorsements about my own personal practices. 

As a yoga teacher, I really think of myself as an ambassador of yoga.  When someone comes to my class, I want to do deliver a class that makes them want to come back again – whether they take that class with me or not.  And, that is why I think so much about things like “how much is too much woowoo?”  Yoga can be about so many things, way beyond just the physical postures.  In my chosen role, what I most want is for each person to find the way that is right for them.