Responding to reviews with accountability and grace
You may submit one response to each review. This ensures dialogue remains focused and respectful.
Responses are limited to 500 characters to encourage clear, concise communication.
All responses go through moderation before being published to ensure they meet our guidelines.
✓ Acknowledge the student's experience
"I hear that you felt..."
✓ Take responsibility
"I recognize that my actions impacted you"
✓ Share growth
"Since then, I've worked on..."
✓ Offer genuine apology
"I'm sorry for the harm caused"
✓ Maintain professionalism
Even when the review feels unfair
✗ Attacking the reviewer
"You clearly have personal issues"
✗ Dismissing their experience
"That never happened" or "You're wrong"
✗ Making excuses
"I was having a bad day" without taking responsibility
✗ Sharing private information
Revealing student details to discredit them
✗ Threatening legal action
Using intimidation tactics
Start by acknowledging the reviewer's experience without immediately defending yourself.
"Thank you for sharing your experience. I understand that you felt uncomfortable during adjustments."
Even if you didn't intend harm, acknowledge the impact you had.
"I recognize that my actions affected you, regardless of my intentions."
If applicable, explain what you've learned or how you've changed.
"Since then, I've completed training in trauma-informed teaching and now ask explicit consent before adjustments."
A genuine apology demonstrates humility and care.
"I'm truly sorry for the discomfort I caused you."
Show willingness to continue learning and growing.
"Your feedback helps me become a better teacher. Thank you for your courage in speaking up."
Not every review will feel accurate or fair. This can be painful, especially when you believe you acted with integrity. Here's how to respond skillfully:
Take time to process your emotions. Respond from a grounded place, not from reactivity.
Even if you disagree with the review, try to understand the student's perspective. Their experience is their truth.
You can offer context or clarification while still honoring the student's experience. Avoid making them "wrong."
How you respond to criticism is a reflection of your yoga practice. Can you remain non-reactive? Can you practice Ahimsa toward yourself and the reviewer?
"Thank you for your honest feedback. I hear that you felt rushed during class and that affected your experience. Creating a pace that works for everyone is something I continue to refine in my teaching. I've been working with a mentor on this very issue. I appreciate you taking the time to share—it helps me grow as a teacher."