yoga industry
2 entries · oldest first
2019
Working inside of different federal agencies, corporations, and NGOs for the last 10+ years as a yoga teacher has been illuminating in the ways mindfulness practice can be co-opted for both the forces of good and some far more nefarious.
As a young teacher, i felt as though i was sharing something very useful with people who could affect change on a much larger scale than I ever couldâ i felt subversive to be doing it right in the heart of the corporate/capitalistic machine.
Practice worksâ and it works across a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities each with individual metrics. Spiritual health, physical well being, interpersonal relational skills, emotional balanceâ each can be touched on. When instructed well, each can be elevated. So too, Iâm sad to say, can the shadow side: further anesthetization, good old spiritual bypassing, and duration of a culture that punches down and goes to sleep.
Having seen this in local yoga studios, international finance organizations, and local community sports non-profits, its very much on my radar. But, it doesnât mean to stop. It means to care more and share better.
Teachers have a responsibility: pick your platform, and to pick it well. Keep your ethics high, and they will trickle down.
https://www.thenation.com/article/ron-parser-mcmindfulness-mindfulness-meditation-book-interview/
As a young teacher, i felt as though i was sharing something very useful with people who could affect change on a much larger scale than I ever couldâ i felt subversive to be doing it right in the heart of the corporate/capitalistic machine.
Practice worksâ and it works across a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities each with individual metrics. Spiritual health, physical well being, interpersonal relational skills, emotional balanceâ each can be touched on. When instructed well, each can be elevated. So too, Iâm sad to say, can the shadow side: further anesthetization, good old spiritual bypassing, and duration of a culture that punches down and goes to sleep.
Having seen this in local yoga studios, international finance organizations, and local community sports non-profits, its very much on my radar. But, it doesnât mean to stop. It means to care more and share better.
Teachers have a responsibility: pick your platform, and to pick it well. Keep your ethics high, and they will trickle down.
https://www.thenation.com/article/ron-parser-mcmindfulness-mindfulness-meditation-book-interview/
Fun fact: a *lot* of yoga teachers are on Medicaid due to the nature of their employment opportunities. Seriously: Some of your favorite teachers at your FAVORITE yoga studios.
So as not to publicly shame the studios with teachers on Medicare, Iâve redacted the studio names. But:
For a 1 hour class: a teacher with ~5 years experience receives between $35-$55 a classâ this entails an hour long commute, two hours of class prep minimum, and the class itself. $8.75-$13.75 an hour.
For a teacher with 20 years experience? $55-$85 â thatâs $13.75-21.25 an hour, with a maximum class cap per day of 4 (very, very high due to a maximum earning potential based on ability to commute and score gigs).
Are these livable wages? Discuss.
So as not to publicly shame the studios with teachers on Medicare, Iâve redacted the studio names. But:
For a 1 hour class: a teacher with ~5 years experience receives between $35-$55 a classâ this entails an hour long commute, two hours of class prep minimum, and the class itself. $8.75-$13.75 an hour.
For a teacher with 20 years experience? $55-$85 â thatâs $13.75-21.25 an hour, with a maximum class cap per day of 4 (very, very high due to a maximum earning potential based on ability to commute and score gigs).
Are these livable wages? Discuss.
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