The business of teaching yoga
Tips for making a living out of yoga teaching. By Gemma Williams
Reading time: 2 minutes
From my years of experience as a yoga teacher I believe the essence of growing a successful business does not rely on marketing strategies or business expertise — but your self-belief.
Our conditioning and what we believe is possible is what shapes our life (samskaras and karma). A big part of our yoga practice is self-enquiry and discernment, which ripples out into our business. We learn to continually reflect on what is working and what no longer feels aligned. We then must build the strength, courage and trust to take inspired action. I started off as a very unconfident yoga teacher with low self worth.
I started small, teaching all the hours and was soon worn out, stuck in patterns of people pleasing and not honouring my personal boundaries. I couldn’t show up fully. Keeping myself small also diminished my capacity to serve, and to earn what I needed financially.
Through years of practicing yoga and ‘business’ I have found that when I follow my own path, trust my intuitive nudges and practice believing in what I deserve, my life and business flourish. By honouring my own needs and listening to the guidance of my soul I have been able to navigate the ups and downs of business, always learning and growing as I go.
But what does this look like practically? How do you make more money as a yoga teacher?
Reflect on limiting beliefs you have about money and earning a living doing something you love. When unhelpful unconscious conditioning runs the show, it holds us back in business. Journal on this and burn it under the full moon, to release all that no longer serves.
Get clear on your numbers: Work out how much money you need to make a month. Be clear on what you need to offer and how often to cover your financial needs. Then work out a plan to make this happen. Once your financial needs are met you can feel safe to dream big! Go for your desire of increased income to cover yoga holidays, organic foods and healing treatments – or whatever makes your heart sing! (Desire is healthy, it’s the attachment to desire that is unhelpful. So, dream big, trust and then surrender.)
Align your offerings: You are a unique being with unique gifts – how do you want to be of service as a yoga teacher? When you follow what lights you up, you align with your soul path. When you let go of offerings that drain you and no longer feel aligned, you create space for new opportunities to show up that bring more joy, ease and financial abundance.
Marketing: Show up in a way that feels right for you. Use social media as a free resourceful tool, don’t let it control you. Share your message authentically and your tribe will find you!
Be you! When you show up as you, unapologetically, students will be drawn to your energy – as all most people want is the permission to be themselves fully. When you live a life that is your highest soul expression, you inspire others to do the same. When we tune into the abundance of the universe, and understand the only limitations are what we mentally impose on ourselves, money flows easily. Students want to pay you for your soul-aligned offerings. Your job then, is to tune into this. What do you want to offer? How do you want to show up in service in a way that fully resonates with you? The rest will fall into place.
Gemma Williams is a highly qualified and sought-after yoga teacher trainer based in the southwest of England and features on the cover of this issue of OM. Find out more at: gemyoga.co.uk
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
