Yoga Class: A Tale of Mats, Mindfulness, and a Community Built by Accident (and on Purpose)

Yoga Class: A Tale of Mats, Mindfulness, and a Community Built by Accident (and on Purpose)

People are wild. They never cease to crack me up (and often find a way to drive me crazy). “Everything I Know About Animal Behavior, I Learned in Lohman’s Department Store,” written by one of America’s great humorists, Irma Bombeck, is a collection of essays that was super informative and totally perfect for the last few weeks of room arrangement. Bombeck had a way of taking the poison out of life’s realities, seeing the funny and poignent in the most mundane of human experiences… you’ll forgive me for finding mat arrangement blasé, I’m sure. But, hey, if there’s one thing Irma Bombeck taught me, it’s that ordinary moments often hold extraordinary lessons—if you just look at them right. If you’re new to Ashtanga Yoga, you’d…

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

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…

The Commercialization of Yoga: Challenges, Ethics, and Competition

The Commercialization of Yoga: Challenges, Ethics, and Competition

As yoga continues to grow in popularity, it has transformed from a deeply personal and spiritual practice into a commercialized industry. This shift has introduced a series of ethical dilemmas for teachers, students, and studio owners alike. At the same time, the rise of competition within the yoga community—among both teachers and studios—has further complicated the landscape, pushing some to prioritize profit over authenticity, and even engaging in unethical practices to maintain market share. From Tradition to Transaction: The Commercialization of Yoga When I first began practicing yoga, it was rooted in personal growth and spiritual inquiry. The focus was on developing mindfulness, compassion, and resilience. However, over the years, I’ve witnessed a shift as corporate entities and franchises entered the yoga space, prioritizing revenue…