The Importance of Systems Thinking in Yoga: Seeing the Bigger Picture

Yoga, at its essence, is about the union of mind, body, and spirit—a holistic practice that reminds us that everything is interconnected. This principle of interconnectedness extends beyond the practice itself, applying equally to the broader yoga industry. By adopting a systems thinking approach, we can better understand the complex relationships that exist within the yoga world—from teachers and students to studios and the economic landscape. By viewing the yoga industry as an integrated system, we open the door to innovative solutions that can address the unique challenges faced by yoga professionals today.

Systems Thinking in Yoga Practice

At the level of personal practice, yoga can be seen as a system of interrelated parts: the breath, the body, the mind, and the spirit. Each element interacts with and influences the others. For instance, the breath affects the quality of the postures, which in turn influences the mind’s ability to focus. This is the foundation of the Tristana method in Ashtanga yoga—where breath, posture, and gaze work in harmony to create a unified experience.

Systems thinking teaches us to see how each component of the practice impacts the whole. If a student is struggling with their physical postures, the problem may not be purely physical. Perhaps their breathing is shallow, or their mind is unfocused. By seeing the practice as a system, we can approach challenges holistically, addressing the root cause rather than treating isolated symptoms.

In the same way, the challenges within the broader yoga industry are interconnected. The issues that teachers face—low wages, job insecurity, lack of career growth—cannot be addressed in isolation. They are part of a larger system that includes students, studio owners, and the economic environment in which yoga operates.

Viewing the Yoga Industry as a Complex System

The yoga industry, like any other industry, is a complex system made up of interdependent parts. Teachers, students, studios, and the broader economic landscape all interact in ways that are sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious. Systems thinking allows us to see these interactions more clearly and to identify leverage points where change can have the most impact.

For example, when teachers are underpaid, it’s easy to view this as a problem that affects only the teachers. But in reality, the underpayment of teachers affects the entire system. Teachers who are struggling to make ends meet are more likely to experience burnout, which in turn impacts the quality of their teaching. This affects students, who may receive less personalized attention or less inspired instruction. As a result, student retention rates may decline, which then impacts the financial health of the studio. It’s all connected.

By viewing the industry through a systems lens, we can begin to see that improving teacher compensation is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a way to improve the overall health of the industry. A well-compensated teacher is more likely to provide high-quality instruction, leading to better student outcomes, higher retention rates, and a more financially stable studio.

Innovative Solutions Through Systems Thinking

One of the greatest benefits of systems thinking is that it allows for innovative solutions to complex problems. Instead of treating symptoms, we can identify the underlying causes and address them in ways that have far-reaching effects.

For instance, instead of focusing solely on increasing class sizes to improve studio revenue, a systems-thinking approach might look at other ways to create value within the system. This could include offering formalized study groups that are community building, perhaps with a paid position for a teacher to help chair the group once the group is generating additional revenue for the studio. By creating multiple streams of value, studios can support both their teachers and their business in a more sustainable way. Owners have to pass the money on to teachers.

Another innovative solution might involve rethinking the relationship between teachers and students. In many studios, the relationship is transactional—students pay for a class, receive instruction, and leave. But by fostering a deeper sense of community and engagement, studios can create a more resilient ecosystem. This could involve mentorship programs, where experienced teachers guide newer practitioners, or membership models that encourage long-term commitment and loyalty. These shifts not only benefit the students and teachers but also create a more stable financial foundation for the studio.

Applying Systems Thinking to the Economic Landscape

Beyond individual studios, systems thinking can also help us understand the yoga industry’s place within the broader economic landscape. The pressures that studios face—rising rents, competition from corporate chains, and the commodification of wellness—are all part of a larger system of economic forces. By recognizing these pressures as part of a broader context, yoga professionals can begin to strategize more effectively.

For example, rather than competing directly with corporate studios on price or volume, independent studios can differentiate themselves by focusing on what corporate studios often lack: deep, personal connections with students and a commitment to community. By recognizing this as a leverage point within the system, independent studios can carve out a niche that not only sustains them but also enriches the overall yoga ecosystem.

Conclusion: Seeing the Bigger Picture

In yoga, as in life, everything is interconnected. Systems thinking reminds us to take a step back and see the bigger picture—to understand how each part of the system affects the whole. By applying this approach to both the practice of yoga and the business of yoga, we can develop more sustainable and innovative solutions to the challenges we face as yoga professionals.

By addressing the root causes of the issues within the yoga industry and recognizing the interconnections between teachers, students, studios, and the broader economic environment, we can create a more resilient and thriving yoga community. Systems thinking gives us the tools to see beyond isolated problems and embrace the complexity of the yoga world—allowing us to respond with clarity, creativity, and compassion.