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!
