Some yoga teachers will tell you deep, philosophical truths they read in a book, or the latest mindfulness practice they heard in a podcast…but that is not what makes a good teacher.

A good teacher, simply, is someone who listens to you, and understands that you are unique in your own beautiful way. Great teachers leave their ego at the door, knowing it is about the student, not them.

They always check in with their students at the beginning of the class. They have creative minds that are open to suggestions and opinions from their students. They are always present, and are the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave the studio.

Most importantly, a good yoga teacher knows that they’re not perfect. They accept their flaws and work on them — both on and off the mat. Here are some of the things a good yoga teacher will tell you.

Yoga is about finding the inner you.

Yoga is popular for its ability to connect you with your inner self. It’s a time-tested way to find beauty in yourself despite all your flaws. Some people who are on the soul-searching phase find peace on the mat, and a good teacher will help them get to that point.

A good teacher will teach you to be independent by showing you the way to your inner self. It’s all about staying on your own path to bring out the best in you. A good teacher shows you that you can make it on your own and that the real teacher is really, ultimately, yourself.

Yoga is about balancing the good and the bad in your life.

A good teacher understands that bad things happen to all of us, and it’s in our hands to see the good in all things despite that. There is a time for happiness, and there’s a time for sadness, too.

Good teachers will help you realize that bad things happen because these moments of pain will give you room to grow and find your best self. They will make you see that darkness will only last so long as you let it. You just have to have faith in yourself.

You own your yoga practice.

You’re doing yoga because you want to, not because you want your yoga teacher to change you. Good teachers will not ask you to imitate them or their practices. In fact, they will ask you to stay true to yourself, and that they’re just there to guide you in doing so.

Your yoga journey is your way to see how beautiful and amazing you are. Good teachers are there to support and grow with you on your practice.

You don’t have to change who you are.

Good yoga teachers will make you see that you don’t have to change who you are just to find peace or to please everybody. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re clearly not because the only path to true happiness is to start embracing your true self. They will teach you to connect with your own mind, body, and spirit.

A yoga studio is a place where people try to calm their minds and live in the moment. Just be yourself. Remember that everyone else is on a journey just as you are.

You are unique.

Finally, good yoga teachers will make you see how unique you are. They will tell you that you are one of a kind, and that your own life journey is what makes you different and beautiful.

Good yoga teachers will share their passion and dedication for yoga with you. Good yoga teachers will help you embrace the fact that every little thing happens for a reason, good and bad. Remember that we are ALL flawed, in our own perfectly unique and beautiful way.