Imposter Syndrome

As the New Year makes its usual shift into the routine, Teacher Training begins. This is my second year assisting a training for Yoga students hoping to deepen their Yoga practice, and move towards teaching. My role is an intense mixture of aiding the students, trainers, as well as facilitate some of the back-end work that comes with such a program. Amidst it all I find myself battling the familiar trend of imposter syndrome. Imposter Syndrome refers to one’s ability to discount oneself. To think you are not good enough, not qualified enough, and that everyone knows what you know, and possibly more. Before the training I found my body expressing the symptoms of this belief structure. Tension, stress, and irritability were all present. I’d like to say that I have vanquished this feeling for evermore and now spend my time swimming in a sea of self acceptance. But a more truthful response is it gets better when I acknowledge it, it gets better when I remind myself my value is not connected to my actions, it gets better when I express it. So as you move through the year/decade/life, I invite you to try the following as ways to help you through moments of doubt:`

• Acknowledge the feeling

• Remind yourself that all of us experience this at some point or another

• Remind yourself that you are inherently valuable

• Express your self-doubt in a way that resonates with you I.e. friends, writing, journaling, family, trusted mentor

And maybe, even pat yourself on the back for continuing the process regardless of the challenges.