My intention for teaching yoga in tough economic times

This past October I had an existential meltdown. When Wall Street took a tumble, and President Bush pushed for a bank bail-out, and gas was at an all-time high, I had no idea what steps to take in response. The financial instability and economic uncertainty was unprecedented in my lifetime. I have no experience with which to draw upon—how should I respond? What actions should I take? What is the future of my little yoga business?

The answer to most of these questions was a big fat “I don’t know!”

The questions I was asking were more than academic—they hit home in heart and in my pocketbook. One of my consulting clients cut my contract by 20%, attendance in my yoga classes was down, the prepay for my oil was double what it was last year, and the price of food went up with each shopping trip.

My mind was full of worry. Can you relate?

I am not interested in waiting around for a political leader to fix the problem. I’m not waiting for some financial expert to fill me in about what the future holds. I’m not waiting for any guru to lead me into clarity.

We’ve had enough of that, I think—waiting for others to solve problems and get it right.

This is the time for me to take a stand—to be clear about what I am doing, why I’m doing it, and how I am getting it done. That’s the purpose of this writing—to document Megan’s Manifesto!!

I look around and see the changing leaves here in Massachusetts. It’s a transition period between the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Nature shifts, business shifts. This Manifesto is my guide during turbulent times—and a foundational tool for future business planning.

As I write, I get clear. And maybe this writing helps you get clear as well.

Here’s what I’m doing to teach yoga in tough economic times. I am

1. Committing to the importance of self-awareness. This yoga/consulting/training work I do is based on empowering people to wake up to the truth of themselves. That, I think, is the only answer to the craziness and delusions we see today. So I am using this economic and politic landscape to re-energize, re-motivate and re-commit to this life’s work.

2. Reaching out rather than hunkering down. I feel the tendency to withdraw into my turtle shell, thinking that less is more in this situation. Instead of succumbing to that impulse, I am going to reach out. This very public display of my intentions is an example of that reaching out.

3. Providing explicit seva. Seva means service in Sanskrit (the language of yoga). I have always had an open door policy for those that cannot afford my services (bartering, no-cost, exchange, etc). Now I am going to make that offer explicit rather than implicit. Every reaching out effort will mention financial aid. At these times when people need self-awareness, money is not going to be a barrier.

4. Offering low-cost options. I am looking at my products and services to see how I can offer them at a lower cost for more people.

5. Investing in my business, and in personal and professional development. Rather than the “not now, maybe later” attitude that this environment can breed, I am going to continue to evaluate opportunities and stretch to grow.

6. Using circumstances to mold my mind. This mind can play all sorts of tricks, judging what should or should not be. I commit to using my mind to build a positive response rather than a fearful to blameful response.       

7. Trusting the divine. Trust and worry cannot co-exist. Enough said.

8. Keeping perspective. Life is good—I have a roof over my head, loving friends and family, my health, and work that is fulfilling and fun.

9. Speaking out. More voices of the people are needed in politics, business, and community. My voice will be one of them.

10. Asking for more. More of myself, more of others, more of life. Settling for les is not an option.    

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. May my manifesto help you with yours.

Much love,
Megan