KARMA, YOGA AND BUSINESS

How to succeed as a yoga and wellness center in our challenging economic times

Molly Lannon Kenny

The Samarya Center

Seattle, Washington

www.samaryacenter.org

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SAMARYA CENTER Samarya means community Started in 2001 $6000 start up donation Two teachers: licensed speech-language

pathologist and licensed clinical social worker

Began as a wellness center and an Ashtanga yoga studio

Granted 501 (c) 3 status in 2003

SAMARYA CENTER MISSION Yoga is a state of knowing peace

through connection to self, others and the universe. The Samarya Center is a community that fosters individual growth as a means to global transformation. Because the state of yoga is the birth right of every individual, The Samarya Center's mission is to provide access to the practice and teachings of yoga to all people, regardless of perceived barriers.

“Instant Karma’s gonna get youGonna knock you off your feetBetter recognize your brothers

Everyone you meetWhy in the world are we here

Surely not to live in pain and fear…”~John Lennon

WHAT IS KARMA? The Yoga perspective: Karma as action

The Buddhist perspective: subtle impressions

Giving up the fruits of your actions

The “long view”

Ishvara Pranidhana

KARMA AS A BUSINESS MODEL

It might be scary! Lower prices mean more access More access means more people More people means more access

THE DIAMOND CUTTER

The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your Business and Your Life ~Geshe Michael Roche

Monthly study group and abundance meditation

POVERTY MENTALITY It’s not going to work When I ask, the answer will be no I’m not going to be able to pay my rent Giving away my services diminishes my value

ABUNDANCE MENTALITY There’s always enough Time is on my side I’m paid in all kinds of ways It’s going to work I am supported by the Universe Aparigraha The answer will be YES!

MANY MORE CURRENCIES THAN MONEY

Recognition Joy Time Experience Referral sources Networks In-kind donations

Yoga is a state of knowing peace through connection to self, others and the universe.

The Samarya Center is a community that fosters individual growth as a means to global transformation.

Because the state of yoga is the birth right of every individual, The Samarya Center's mission is to provide access to the practice and teachings of yoga to all people, regardless of perceived barriers.

WHAT ARE THE “PERCEIVED BARRIERS?”

Cultural Physical Financial Gender Sexual orientation Location/access Emotional Social Exposure

WE CONNECT WITH THESE COMMUNITIES THROUGH DIRECT OUTREACH AND MARKETING

Transexual/Transgendered/genderqueer Ethnic minorities People with chronic conditions Returning vets AIDS/HIV People with larger bodies Everywhere we see a need!

THAT’S NICE. AND GOOD BUSINESS

Diversity scholarship Direct marketing campaigns Web site language and photos Photos and language in all printed

material Creating and maintaining a strong

internal culture This all means more money!

HOW CAN YOU DO THIS?

Clear vision Start small, grow intelligently, be patient Trust Foster community! Generate enthusiasm and belief in the

vision within your community Utilize volunteers Membership incentives Obama style fundraising

Ask for what you want Lower prices (ours are $8!) Offer free classes Consider sliding scales Re-evaluate why you would turn

someone away Be flexible Volunteer “Robin Hood”

You can make more money by charging less.

You can affect more lives by charging less

You can live your yoga and make your living by charging less

“Why in the world are we here?

Surely not to live in pain and fear…”

“And we all shine on, like the moon and the stars

and the sun. On and on and on and on.”

~ John Lennon