Ep #141: Conquering Imposter Syndrome with Andrei

Discover how Andrei transitioned from being a scuba diving instructor to teaching yoga in Bali in this engaging podcast episode. Originally from Russia, Andrei moved to the US and eventually found his way to Bali, where the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed his career path. Initially a scuba diving instructor, Andrei rediscovered his passion for yoga during the quiet times of the pandemic. He practiced Ashtanga yoga, finding it both grounding and energizing. Andrei’s journey with yoga began in his early 20s, influenced by his mother’s practice of Kundalini yoga. Despite a slow start, he grew to appreciate the structure and discipline of Ashtanga yoga. When the tourism industry in Bali was hit by the pandemic, Andrei started practicing yoga at home and on Nusa Penida, which led him to consider teaching. Inspired by his mother and a friend, Andrei practiced on his own for six months before securing a teaching opportunity at a new studio. His first class was well-received, confirming his passion for sharing yoga with others. Andrei emphasizes the importance of professionalism, preparation, and adaptability in teaching. He shares insights on adjusting classes to meet individual needs and maintaining authenticity by connecting with students through genuine experiences. Andrei discusses the significance of mentorship and support in his journey, highlighting the value of having mentors and peers to guide and encourage him. He plans to open a yoga space with his mother and continues to teach challenging, safe, and sweaty classes in Bali. Andrei also addresses dealing with imposter syndrome, viewing it as a sign of striving for big goals. He advises embracing these feelings and using preparation to manage them effectively. Follow Andrei on Instagram at aqua.Andrei for more on his inspiring journey. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - A Moment for the Body: Guided Breath Meditation 03:25 - Andrei's Journey: From Ashtangi to Yoga Teacher 05:16 - Andrei's Yoga Journey: From Ashtanga to Power Yoga 08:56 - The Experience of Kundalini Yoga with My Mother 13:05 - The Fascination with Ashtanga Yoga: My Path to Self-Practice 16:01 - Rediscovering Yoga Practice: A Journey Back to Inner Peace 18:31 - The Yoga Journey in Bali 23:00 - The Path to Becoming a Successful Yoga Teacher 25:34 - Adapting Yoga Classes to Individual Needs 28:46 - Focusing on Teaching Yoga Without Money Pressure 31:33 - Teaching Yoga: Infusing Personal Experience 36:15 - Evolution of a Yoga Teacher in Bali 46:05 - Putting One Foot in Front of the Other: Teaching Yoga Classes in Bali 47:59 - Imposter Syndrome in Teaching and Mentoring 49:52 - Managing Imposter Syndrome in Yoga Practice Andrei’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aqua.andrei/ --- About Going Pro Yoga: At Going Pro Yoga, we help yoga teachers become even better by teaching them new skills and giving them the tools they need to make their yoga classes safe, fun, and special for everyone. **Right now you can try Going Pro Yoga FREE for 7-days and sample: All Tools Needed to Master Cueing, Sequencing, and Alignment Video Library of over 75 fully Sequenced Classes, Sequence Chunks, and Flows FIRST EVER Yoga Cueing System with Over 160 poses and Hundreds of Variations Wisdom Talks from over 20,000 Hours of Teaching Experience Anatomy and Injury Prevention as it relates to Yoga. To Learn More, Visit Going Pro Yoga, and⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Start your 7-Day Free Trial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! For more information about in-person trainings in Bali,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.elementsofpoweryoga.com/advancedtrainings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠