Structure, Skill, and Soul: Rethinking Creativity in Yoga Teaching with Arundhati Baitmangalkar
What if creativity in yoga isn’t about novelty—but about depth, structure, and purpose? In this episode, we unpack the difference between engagement and entertainment, why foundations matter, and how knowing your “why” shapes sustainable, skillful teaching.
Key Takeaways
• Creativity needs structure.
Creative work thrives when supported by systems. Whether you create within set hours or follow inspiration when it strikes, structure doesn’t limit creativity—it sustains it.
• Creativity is not the same as variety.
Variety leans toward entertainment. Teaching yoga is about clarity, transmission, and guidance—not constant novelty.
• Engagement ≠ entertainment.
Our role as yoga teachers is to engage students intellectually, physically, and emotionally—not to perform or entertain for retention’s sake. The yoga itself is enough.
• Foundation before innovation.
Creative expression works best when built on strong fundamentals. A solid understanding of yoga principles allows for skillful adaptation without losing integrity.
• Know your “why.”
Understanding why you show up to teach—calling, service, curiosity, devotion—grounds your creativity and keeps your work aligned and sustainable.
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