What is a teacher without students?

In the four months since I graduated from my 200 hour teacher training, I've had many instances where I've stood looking at an empty yoga studio, hoping and waiting for students to show up so I can teach them. The above picture was taken prior to the start of my first class in that space - I was fortunate to lead three dedicated yogis in a vinyasa flow on the day that picture was taken.

Thankfully, I've also had the pleasure of teaching as many as 18 people at one time, a handful of students and even one-on-ones. The no-show days are challenging to my ego - especially when I am still so eager to teach and share my passion for yoga and all it can do.

Yet in those moments, when the clock shows that your class time has begun and all the mats are empty - the question bubbles up...without students, what is a yoga teacher? While it may be a philosophical type of question - a la "if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?" - it is one that leads me down a path of introspection.

Does having students in a room define a yoga teacher? Can I have an impact on a person's practice without guiding them through an asana practice?

I don't have answers to these questions just yet. I do know that I'll keep showing up and offering my time to help my fellow yogis find space on their mats. I hope you will join me.