Join the Club
I apologize in advance for the overt sappiness you're about to read. I simply can't hold it in... Recently, I have been on the verge of bursting with gratitude for the yoga community.
Let me very clear, when I say "yoga community" I'm not talking about the the wonderful group of yogis from all over the making the world a better place through their consciousness and their worthy causes. (Of course, I'm awed and amazed by that, too.) I'm talking about my yoga community. The network of people that listen to me, support me, and help me when I'm feeling down or upset. These are the people who are the first to notice when I'm feeling down, and the first to congratulate me when something amazing happens.
I know that many of the people who read this might think, "Yeah, yeah. We all have friends who are important to us." But this is different than any "non-yoga" friendship I've ever had. Don't get me wrong. I have amazing friends from all different phases of my life. But things are different with my yoga friends. Whether it's my teachers, people I met in my teacher training, or just someone I've been to class with for a while, (and once or twice with people I've only spoken to by phone or email) I can tell that my yoga pals "get it." There's an unspoken connection that is both mysterious and awesome.
I'm still trying to put my finger on what it is that connections us. A deeper understanding of body/mind connection? An intuition that we hone from years of intuiting how to move our bodies to get into deeper, more satisfying poses—and ultimately more satisfying relationships? Whatever it is, just being a part of it makes my heart swell.
Comments
Hi. I need sappy and some sound advice from a yogi. You seem like someone who will relate to my intentions. I recently have been teaching yoga, renting church space. My heart leads me to renting a store front to offer a consistent, solid, stable yoga center. My purpose is to develop a sense of community in my town-a place where students can practice while forming relationships with like minded friends. I have the desire, energy, business mind & location available. I don't have other teachers at this time. How do I trust the "build it and they will come" belief attitude? I appreciate any words you can offer. sincerely, Gloria
Posted by: gloria | January 23, 2008 04:53 PM
Hi Gloria,
I've struggled with the same question you express here, too. I'm no expert, but here's my two-cents.
When I first started teaching, I very aggressively advertised and sought out community groups to try to fill my classes. But that approach didn't work for me. I wasn't ready yet.
I got more students, only when my teaching became sophisticated enough to lead them with confidence. I like to think of it as the rule of abundance: when you're ready for more, it comes. :)
I'm growing my yoga "business" very slowly. After teaching only once a week for almost a year I finally have a reliable pool of students. The only advice I can give you is to start small... and when your students are ready for more, they'll ask you!
If you feel you have the skills and resources necessary to run a successful business, give it a try! Just don't be too discouraged if your efforts don't blossom into a huge community following overnight... It takes longer than few weeks of practicing asana to get your foot behind your head.. and it will probably take longer to grow your yoga business, too.
Good luck!
Posted by: Erica | January 24, 2008 10:16 PM