I'm a yoga teacher and I've noticed that one of my regular students often comes to class smelling of alcohol, which disrupts my concentration. What should I tell her?
I am holding yoga classes at a local park and I've just started this business. One of my students literally reeks of alcohol and it's really disrupting. Since I've just started this business, I am wondering what I should do to make sure this doesn't happen and how do I politely confim someone in such case.
Answers ( 3 )
Why does it bother you? Is her behavior disruptive, or in any way problematic, or is it just the smell that triggers you? Would the smell of cannabis also be a problem? If you are a recovering alcoholic, I can see how this would be disturbing; in that case you could explain to her why it bothers you, and there's a fair chance she would understand. If you simply disapprove, maybe the problem is more yours than hers.
As per yogic tradition , there are certain rules that should be followed while doing yoga and as a Yoga teacher,I am very sure it's your duty to explain the students about the rules such that it's good for her to learn and practice yoga properly.
There are many rules while doing yoga and these rules are to be followed and taught by a yogic Guru(Teacher) and I am very sure you know it-
1.The place where yoga is conducted should be of clean,neat and calm.
2.Yoga room or the environment should be very quiet i.e, no chatting loudly or any type of noise disturbance.
3.Keeping the body and mind clean.- Body should be clean by performing the morning duties and mind should be cleansed by throwing away negative thoughts.
4.Non-Veg foods,drugs and alcohol should be avoided before doing yoga.
5.No shoes,flip flops or any kind of footwear shouldn't be allowed.
There are many more rules that are to followed and I am very sure you know about it.I can suggest you to generally explain your new students or for time to time you can remind them during sessions once or twice a month.You can also personally consult or talk with the student who drinks alcohol to avoid it before yoga and tell her about the rules.
You can also conduct a small therapy session for her and list out the effects of alcohol on Yoga session and how it effects the health of her. If in case she is not interested to listen even after telling her the aspects of yoga, you can allot her a space wherein her smell doesn't disturb you or others.
Anyway I hope she will listen to your advice at the first instance itself.
With all due respect, that's not for you to judge. That's what is the issue with your concentration, not their behavior, but your reaction to them and what you perceive in behavior. It's outdoors, so just spread the class widely, and distance yourself from the student if you can. I don't think you should do anything but find compassion for them, and aid them in their obvious attempt at growth.
If their behavior is inappropriate you could ask them to leave the class, but if it's just a smell of alcohol, then I'd let it go. You don't know that person, what they are going through, what their situation is, and as long as they are participating as expected in the class, that should be that.