Joan Hyman News, Updates and More...
Practicing Spirituality with the Business of Yoga
Yoga is everywhere these days and one of the rising career paths here in America. I've been teaching yoga in Los Angeles California for the past ten years at Yogaworks. I organize at least two yoga retreats annually to exotic locations throughout the world. My busy schedule also includes four teacher trainings a year, eight vinyasa flow classes per week along with numerous privates. In order to be successful in this business, most yoga teachers have a similar lifestyle. This is where the work of yoga really begins. In this Western world where we do so much and push ourselves so hard, how do we yogi's remain humble and not get caught up in this competitive market and honor the true spirit of yoga?
We must not forget that our commitment to yoga remains grounded as long as we continue to commit ourselves to a daily asana and meditation practice I find it very helpful to connect with the Spiritual Practice of Yoga reminding myself of The 4 Dharmic Laws.
1. Discover your Dharma.
There is something that our soul is here to do and to serve our society. All of us have something to offer the world and by making this one of our core values, we find direction and a greater sense of connection with everything around us. Find what makes you feel fulfilled and when you do, the world will open up to you.
2. Find Pleasure in it!
Make sure that you feel a sense of gratification and Love in what you do.
3. Make money doing what you love to do.
By making money you are being responsible and not a burden to society.
4. Liberation of your soul.
Become liberated by practicing non-attachment to your material gain and successes. Be unattached to your success and learn to give back. If you are successful, try not to cling on to it, instead, help those that are coming up so we all can rise and enjoy the abundance that comes with it!
Loving yourself and Non-harming are two of the most important things to be mindful of throughout your day. Are you treating yourself as well as others? Loving yourself is both physical and emotional. Not only should we feed our body well with good nutrition, rest and asana but we need to be good to ourselves emotionally. Remove negative things from your life and surround yourself with people that make you feel good! This is hard to do at times but the benefit will far outweigh the short-term pain we go through by separating ourselves from people whom hurt us.
If you are reading this article, you are on a path of self-exploration. Its part of the reason why yoga has boomed, people are going inside to find happiness. Remember to stay healthy. Commit yourself to a daily asana and meditation practice. Feed your spirit by surrounding yourself with positive people and cultivate things in your life that make you happy. Enjoy your career path and try not to make the only goal about material gain. Remind yourself as a yoga teacher, we are helping our society and be grateful we have found our dharma and are able to give back!
