I think it’s safe to say that as yoga teachers, or any entrepreneurs, self employed peeps, or contract workers, we all have similar struggles. We are, unfortunately, never at the top of our game, because there’s always more that can be done, should be done, or is being done by someone else. It is tiring, for sure, and it can be disheartening. I have been in this game long enough to have experienced many highs and lows. I started out teaching in New York City – and you know they say if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere! I had to hussle. I dragged myself from one end of the city to the other teaching at any yoga studio that would have me, being paid $5 per student (which sometimes was none, by the way), and then I’d do that 15 more times per week. It took me years to build into more steady and reliable money and work, and even that couldn’t be taken for granted. So I know a little about not having enough, not making enough, and going through the grind.
I’ve been lucky here in Lugano, though maybe it’s not just luck, but also years of hard work, perseverance and lessons learnt. I have managed to create work for myself where there wasn’t any, and build that into something substantial and more importantly, very fulfilling. But this isn’t about my success. This post is about the competition. What I want to address is that smallness mentality. The side of yoga teachers they won’t talk about, lest you think less of us. Here it is folks: It’s scary being out on your own. It’s a world that doesn’t validate you the same way as a “regular” job. And there are always ups and downs. And sometimes, even though it doesn’t fit in with what yoga is all about, we feel these small feelings like jealousy, fear, and lack of.
Recently, I had an experience that left me feeling graspy, and reminded me of how easily I can slip into that “lack of” mentality. I have, in my time here, been aware of, and deeply grateful for, my successes, and have always been encouraging to others to rise to their own success, especially in the yoga teaching realm. I have championed fellow yogis as they become teachers themselves, or as they decided to go solo, as they launched a new website, or offered something to the world that sounded great. I pay to go to their classes, and I have praised and acknowledged their hard work and their successes. EVEN when I feel small. Even when I feel slightly jealous, or wish that I’d had the idea instead. Clearly, I’m not perfect. I have these feelings of lack of abundance too, but what we choose to do with them is what matters. Once, a few years ago, I came across a momastery blog post, and boy did it speak to me! If you don’t know Momastery, you’re in for a treat.
Read the full article here, it’s totally worth it!
Here are my take-aways and what I have been trying to live by ever since:
When you feel small, do something big – when I feel like I’m failing and should just quit, I try and do something even bigger, crazier and bolder. Sort of the F-it mentality.
When you feel jealous, praise the person for what they have accomplished – do what you know would feel good for you if the situation was reversed. It’s ok that you didn’t think of the idea! It’s ok that you didn’t do something with the same success! That person is a living example of how it could be – for you too! So go on and say something to that person to build them up, no matter how small you feel.
When you feel there isn’t enough pie, bake a bigger one – this is courtesy of momastery, but the lack of abundance mentality is one where we believe there’s a shortage of pie. So let’s work together to make it bigger instead of grabbing our piece and running to hide as we binge eat and remain watchful that no-one is stealing our crumbs.
Be bigger, even if you don’t feel it.
I’ve tried, with some minor hiccups to live by these ideals, and you know what? I have not lost anything. In fact, I feel like my life and my work have only gotten bigger and better.
Friends, there is enough for all of us. Be big.