So I was talking to a long time student of mine this evening at Kula, and it brought the subject of this writing to the forefront. I have been wondering for three weeks now how my former students, that I have not seen since I left to teach at Kula, have been faring. This is mostly about curiosity and much about me missing those students I haven’t seen. Here is what I am wondering… My classes at a previous studio averaged in attendance around 20-30. Those former same classes are now averaging 4-8 from what I am led to believe. My present classes are all over the place ranging from 1-13 students. So if students are not in my “old” classes, and those students are not in my present classes; then where did they go? Dont get me wrong, this is not about me wanting my peeps back, which to be honest I do, but more about the simple curiosity of where students go. So my question to those of you who fall into this category is… Are you kids still practicing? I certainly hope you are still all loving the practice!
It was the hardest decision I have had to make in a long time to leave (insert former studio name here). The hard part of that decision being based purely on my fear of not seeing so many of the faces that I have watched work so hard and transform throughout my 5 years here in Austin. Due to respect and legality to the previous business owners, there was a lot I wanted to say but could not on my way out. I am an emotional cat and had to hold a lot of sadness and hardship in over the last month or two. My reasons for leaving I am still keeping mainly to myself, but most of you have figured much of it out for yourselves. Suffice it to say I am psyched to be working in a studio that is small, friendly, community based, has yoga and its students foremost in mind, treats its teachers and students with the utmost respect, and is more focused on the business of yoga than being focused on the business of business. Kula sees other studios as partners and community and not simply as competition, and this makes me sooo happy. It seems they honor what they promise and that they hold truth and sincerity quite highly! I love the owners and the students that I have had the pleasure of meeting here thus far. It is so hard emotionally, physically, and financially to make such a change. I am a yogi down to every cell in my body. It is what I do and what I ponder on every day from waking to sleep. Usually I end up dreaming about it too! It is imperative to me that the business of yoga should be first and foremost true to its roots… love, compassion, honesty, community, environment, family, education, and Samadhi -the ability to rise above ego and champion the greater good. A yoga studio should be the pinnacle of this behavior in my opinion and it is reprehensible to me personally when that is not the case. I understand that it is hard in todays day and age to lose sight of the essence of things amongst the darkening clouds of money, fame, growth, and ego; but it is not necessary. I also understand the reality of being able to survive as a business, but am smart enough to know that if you focus on the reasons you exist, i.e. teachers and students, then success is more easily obtained.
Before every class I teach, I allow myself a moment to think about what I am about to do. “Why am I here teaching and what is it I am hoping to impart?” “This is not about me. I am a conduit of information being passed along, that has simply been colored by my own personal experiences.”
Is it possible to ask yourself questions like this no matter what the endeavor? What is your true motive and what are the ripples that are going to be left in the pond when you have thrown your stone in?
I have digressed… a lot, and kind of planned on that happening. Bottom line is that I think Kula has these intentions in mind and it is nice to be in a studio that has the yoga side of their proverbial sh!$ together.
Other bottom line, simply curious about where students go when they disappear entirely. Please leave comments and let me know how and where you are! Hope this finds all my friends, family, and students well and happy! Love you all! Namaste!
I know I haven’t been by since free day of yoga, and I’m so sorry! I miss you and your classes so much! I honestly haven’t been to many classes lately–only went to one last week. It’s just a busy time of year with school, TA’ing, and lulu. But I plan to make it to many more in the coming weeks and to especially make it to some of yours.
xoxo
Esme
P.S. I actually tried to make it to your Monday class, and made it all the way to Kula before I realized I forgot to bring my yoga clothes and I was wearing a dress.
The students go where they know. And then something happens in some of them that makes them seek out their teacher. Some find it within themselves, and they need help creating their own personal practice. Some feel conflicted about loyalties and need encouragement from a friend to move to it together. And some stay because they see themselves only in a certain place and a certain time. These are all constructs of the mind. Tantra teaches that the ego is neither bad nor good, but simply a buffer between the bliss body and the mind body. It is the seat of the subconscious. Teachers and students who practice yoga begin to feel the translations moving from the true Self and then they begin to awaken both energetically and physically. This is why we practice. To listen closely to the Self. No disclaimers; there is no need. The students who are there are ready for you to teach them. Teach them and the calling thought is spoken silently to the others, and they will hear it.
i think if i hadn’t found you on facebook or found your blog AND if I had missed one of your classes before you left, i would’ve been a little lost. i didn’t really talk to other students in class. i wouldn’t have asked any of the staff where you went. i’d probably try to develop a stronger at-home ashtanga practice, which is a lot harder than it sounds!
i’m just speculating … maybe not all of them know where you are or they just haven’t found the time to adjust to the change?
Hi Matt! I was a newish student of yours at the former studio. I took a break (partly due to laziness and partly due to a crazy school schedule) and came back to find you missing from the schedule. When this pass runs out I’m coming to Kula. I miss you and am looking forward to checking out the new space.
good to hear from you Alicia and hope to see you soon as well!!
Hi Teacher.
I’m still here, juggling my balls in the air. Finances, logistics, and time have me still trudging along the road to where you are. I will make it one of these days; you know that I must go home from time to time!
see you when you can make it Tammy! all my best!
Hey Matt!
I am one of the people going to your old classes and they are small and most of the people that used to be in them are not there. There are a lot of new folks that I have never seen in classes before. Classes are small so I am not sure where people are going. I think they are a good alternative until my yearly pass runs out and I can change studios. I have to tell you, that with the shake up at YY, a lot of my favorite teachers are not there anymore and in talking to some of them, they are having the same trouble with small classes in their new studios.
I have noticed that a lot of people get stuck in a routine, a teacher they like, a studio they are used to, and they don’t like when anything changes. I have witnessed a student sign in for a class, learn there is a sub and then they left without taking the class. I am one of the other type who wants to see what the sub is like and if I can learn anything from them. I want to take classes from all of the many teachers who took over for your load of classes and see if I can learn anything from them that I can bring to your classes in January.
Hope everything is well with you and you get over this transition soon. Sending out good thoughts to anyone who’s motivation is lacking!
word. i have just been totally curious about where people go when they are not to be found at either venue. we are certainly creatures of habit though, and those habits are hard to alter! hope you are well miss Sonia!
Hi! Matt,
Since you stopped coming to the N/NW of the other studio, I have to admit that I am not regular going to the studio. I learnt a lot from you and some of the other good teachers. Now I have not been to the studio in a long time. Wonder what happened to my remaining class pass
You will be happy to know that I practice Ashtanga regularly at home despite my busy schedule.
Kula is far from where I live. One day I will muster courage to face the traffic and show up in your class
Keep inspiring!
Warm regards,
Soma
Hey Teach!
I have to say that at the previous studio I was very hesitant to approach other students and get to know them. While the staff is very friendly, there is an “air” of not talking to one another or sharing too much. I think this has lead to some students not knowing where you went. One day at the end of class I mentioned your website and they could get more info (that took a lot of courage for me) and I know another student did it another day but how many days went by when there was not anything said other than by you letting them know you were leaving and teaching somewhere else? I can see why you would be very curious where people have gone since I have wondered that myself and I’m just a student!
On another note; your flow class on Wed. was GREAT!!! Just about all those poses were new to me and I’m learning to laugh at myself more & more! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!! YOU’RE THE BEST!!!!
xoxo
j
I just bought a pass when you announced your departure.
And then I have been bogged down meeting a deadline at work. I’ll come by this Sunday I promise!
Hi Matt!
I’m a relatively new student of yours (just started this summer), but I would love to continue attending your classes. I just found you online, and now that school’s back in session, I don’t think I can make any (or many) of the classes you teach because the times and location are a little more difficult for me right now. Be there as soon as I can, though…
Deann
Hello Matt,
Good to read your blog. I’m still practicing! Mostly with Sharon at North and Kewal South. Still in graduate school and teaching yoga to college students here in San Marcos. My mom even came to my class this morning! Learning so much from teaching and loving it. There are a lot of rock climbing guys and gals that are really getting into yoga, which made me think of you. Hope to make it up to one of your classes during the semester break.
Amanda
Hey Matt,
I was on yoga hiatus due to craziness at work, I just realized you left. I emailed the studio and asked why you weren’t on the schedule and if you would be coming back after I noticed you had no classes. I’m just glad you are still around, I intend to come check out your new place after the first of the year.
Matt — So where ARE your dogs??? Ashtanga classes are small to very small at YY (though lots of star classes). And last I heard small at Kula too? If you figure it out, let me know, did 2/3 of the ashtangis give it up and go back to bowling?
Also, you mentioned a workshop in Costa Rica (!) Is that through the old (unnamed) studio? Interesting…
hey matt!
i’m still in austin, not working and looking for work, and now that my knee is on the mend (80% to 85%) am beginning to think about renewing my yoga practice (on the cheap side).
i’m glad to read that you’re still out there practicing. and two-stepping.
namaste