The Youthful Older Yogi

Teaching with Confidence

MJ Waddell Season 3 Episode 40

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Ever had a student quietly confess something right before class—“I just had surgery”… “I’ve never done yoga before”… “I can’t get up and down from the floor”… or list off a medical condition you’ve never even heard of? Cue internal freak-out. 😳

In this episode, I share real fears yoga teachers face—especially when we worry we don’t know enough to support our students safely. I'll share some personal stories, practical tools, and the exact words I use to help new, injured, and older students feel welcome, safe, and empowered on the mat.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro still having “Wait…what?” moments, this one’s for you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
✅ The early panic moments I had as a new teacher
✅ Real-life experiences from my weekly 55+ yoga class
✅ What you might say when a student shares a fear, injury, or limitation
✅ How to support older beginners with grace and a good sense of humor
✅ Why you don’t need all the answers to be a great teacher

Quotes to remember:
🧘‍♀️ “The only flexibility required is a flexible mindset.”
🧘‍♂️ “You won't be left on the floor—we move slow, safe, and steady.”
🎶 “Ah, the symphony of knees… music to my ears.”

Resources & Links:
🌐 Visit MJ’s website www.shareyogawithmj.com

Mudra Meditation Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5934951/

Adi Mudra: https://www.fitsri.com/yoga-mudras/adi-mudra

 💌 Want to connect or share your own story? I would love to hear from you!

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Find MJ Waddell at:
WEBSITE
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Dan Jones-Editor
Find Dan at:
https://cocoabeachweb.com/