Dawn Arseneau

Teaching can sometimes feel like a sacred calling… and also like a game of survival. Visions of quiet, studious students seated in rows (this dates me, I know!), respectfully raising their hand to speak, turned out to be nothing but a memory and – more accurately – an illusion.

Before I started studying and practicing yoga, teaching was, at best, something I survived.

Through practice of breathwork and postures, I found a stillness. It was fleeting at times, but there nonetheless. I was addicted.

I bought books on yoga and attended workshops and eventually took my yoga teacher training. Through these, I was able to dive deeper into the philosophy behind the practice.

One such aspect was the Yamas and Niyamas – yoga’s ethical guidelines. They’re the first two limbs of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, and they are practical, powerful, and enduring. And they can be a pathway to teaching (and living) with more intention.

YAMAS – attitudes toward the world

1. Ahimsa (non-violence): be kind, espECIALLY TO yourself

Teaching can be intense. It’s easy to beat ourselves up over a lesson that flopped or a student we couldn’t reach. Ahimsa reminds us about the power of compassion. Practicing kindness and acceptance can help keep things in perspective.

Practice: Try observing thoughts without judgement.

Affirmation: “I am kind to myself and others.”

2. satya (truthfulness): say what you mean, respectfully

How often do we say “I’m fine” when we are anything but? Satya teaches us to live with honesty, speaking the truth to ourselves and others, with kindness.

Practice: Be real with your loved ones in a respectful, authentic way.

Affirmation: “I live my life in truth.”

3. Asteya (non-stealing): respect time & energy

Asteya isn’t just about not stealing stuff – it’s also about not taking time, attention, or energy from others – or, unnecessarily from ourselves. Protecting our energy as teachers can be a challenge, but if we don’t, we risk burning out.

Practice: Take 2 minutes at work (hide in the bathroom?), or make a point to leave work at work.

Affirmation: “I respect the energy of others and myself.”

4. brahmacharya (moderation): find balance

Does the work seem insurmountable? Is too much energy wasted on social media? Brahmacharya teaches us mindful use of energy – both mental and physical – and this, especially, is something we as teachers need.

Practice: Make only the commitments you can keep. Make space for rest.

Affirmation: “I do enough.”

5. Aparigraha (Non-attachment): Let That Stuff Go

Kids will forget their homework. Meetings will be rescheduled. That perfect bulletin board will fall down. Does it really matter, in the grand scheme of things? The essence of Aparigraha is shifting from a mindset of need to one of finding happiness with what we have, where we are, and who we are.

Practice: Let go of the idea of being a “perfect” teacher. Show up as a present one instead.

Affirmation: “I embrace the flow of life.”

NIYAMAS – attitudes toward the self

1. Saucha (Purity): clear the clutter

Our desks don’t need to be Pinterest-worthy, but clearing physical and mental clutter gives us space to breathe. Saucha is all about mental and physical cleanliness – including the space around us. It is the idea that inner calm is helped by outer order.

Practice: Take 5 minutes after school to reset your space (or your mind). Even one clean corner can bring peace.

Affirmation: “I nurture myself and my surroundings.”

2. santosha (contentment): teach from gratitude

Santosha teaches us the ability to find peace in the present moment. This doesn’t mean ignoring our problems; it means recognizing what’s working, even when everything feels messy.

Practice: Try making a conscious choice to embrace contentment.

Affirmation: “I choose joy in every moment.”

3. Tapas (discipline): keep showing up

Tapas is that fire that keeps us going. Not a grind mindset, but meaningful effort toward our purpose. It is inner strength, and the use of energy towards things that really matter.

Practice: Make time for something you enjoy. Or create a healthy habit, like a nutritious snack.

Affirmation: “I create the life I want.”

4. Svadhyaya (self-study): keep learning

Svadhyaya is knowledge of self, and openness to learning from experiences. It invites reflection and personal growth. As teachers, this can truly be a case of practicing what we preach.

Practice: Read about something that’s been intriguing to you. Journal. Meditate.

Affirmation: “I align with my truth.”

5. Ishvara pranidhana (surrender): we are not in control (and that’s okay)

Embracing uncertainty is at the heart of Ishvara Pranidhana. It is accepting that change is natural and unavoidable. It is understanding that we might be able to manage our classrooms, but we can’t control everything that happens within those walls.

Practice: Welcome each moment with openness and nonjudgement.

Affirmation: “I let go.”

taking care of ourselves as teachers

Integrating even one of these into a teaching day can shift how we show up for our students and for ourselves.

This is sacred work. And with a little wisdom from the Yamas & Niyamas in our teacher toolkit, maybe it can feel a little less chaotic—and a lot more meaningful.

🤍 Want more? Use this guide for yourself or your students: Yamas & Niyamas for Education.