We were lucky to catch up with Meghan Hunter recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Meghan, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I question whether “overcoming imposter syndrome” is actually my goal and instead like to think of those feelings of insecurity as being opportunities for self inquiry. Sometimes, there’ might be valuable information in those feelings of insecurity if we’re open to doing some digging.
There have been plenty of moments in my career as a yoga teacher when I’ve felt like an imposter and the truth is, when I started teaching yoga 14 years ago, I was a little bit of an imposter (cringe to think of some of those early classes) as I think most of us are in the beginning of any job. Overcoming that phase of imposter syndrome was only the result of hours more of experience, practice and deeper education. All par for the course to becoming a little less of an imposter, I think.
My more recent instances of imposter syndrome aren’t rooted inexperience as much as what I like to think of as normal waves of nerves, and I truly believe that nerves can be a good thing – they often just mean that we care a lot about doing good work. So maybe the root of the more recent moments of insecurity are less along the lines of “Am I qualified to be here?” and more “Am I going to communicate this well enough to these students?”
Regardless of the root of the insecurity, my antidote is pretty much always the same. I have a very simple, tried and true, counter-imposter-syndrome-mantra: “It’s not about you.” That’s it.
It reminds me to center my focus on the students right in front of me and their needs.
It reminds me that I’m creating the conditions for others to feel good and learn, but I can’t do that for them.
It reminds me that the teachings of yoga are powerful enough on their own. They don’t need a comedian, a super charmer, or glitter. They’re enough.
One of my favorite teachers, Judith Hanson Lasater says, “The role of a teacher is to reflect back the inherent goodness of each student”, and that really sums it up. My counter to imposter syndrome is to show up and serve from a place that’s not about about me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Meghan has spent the last 14 years, teaching yoga extensively in public schools, hospital settings, yoga studios, internationally and privately. Her teaching combines the best of both modern science and ancient wisdom with a strong emphasis on balanced sequencing. Through the lens of yoga, Meghan offers both, movement & stillness based practices designed to help students cultivate greater awareness, autonomy, connection and appreciation. To learn more about Meghan, CLICK HERE..(E-RYT 500, YACEP, RELAX & RENEW II).
Meghan offers group classes in beautiful, Midcoast Maine, retreats worldwide and virtual private lessons. For all inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
A few tips for new teachers:
I think initially, say yes to every experience that will give you opportunities to work with diverse populations (age, settings, mobility, interests, goals etc). It will all inform your next steps and specialties as a teacher. Challenge yourself to develop programing for these groups and like everything else, you’ll learn so much from what works and even more from what doesn’t.
Learn to say “I don’t know” and “that’s beyond my scope of practice”. Many students assume yoga teachers are nutritionists, physical therapists, massage therapists, psychics etc. It’s our responsibility to draw boundaries and set expectations and the sooner you become comfortable doing that, the better.
Invest in continuing education. Movement science is always developing, so if you’re working with bodies, it’s essential to stay up to date on research and best practices.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Jason Crandell has been an incredible teacher in helping me better understand my role as an educator and how to best meet the needs of my students. He’s provided guidance in developing a curriculum and structure for my teaching and while this might sound purely practical, I now know that without the structure, there’s no room for the connection, inspiration and magic I feel when I can be truly present in the classroom. Learning from him has been a gift and a game changer for me.
On that note, I’m physically located in Midcoast Maine and operate without a brick and mortar studio. I miss community and the camaraderie of being with other teachers, but my TT community under Jason Crandell really serves that essential role for me. I’m very grateful for that group of mentors and rely on them for all things yoga, resources & business.
Judith Hanson Lasater who taught me how healing (and essential) stillness can be.
My wonderful and very committed private clients who have been working with me for years as we navigated a pandemic, zoom-bots, time zones, aging, health scares, deaths in the family, births in the family etc. They keep me inspired and motivated to find creative ways to practice.
My husband for always encouraging me to take every class, training, retreat and deep dive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meghanhunteryoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/meghan.hunter.yoga/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
