What does it mean when a bird poos on your yoga mat?
Every morning, around 8:00 a.m., I practice yoga outside on the deck. It is nice to practice alonside Lake Erie and enjoy our amazing sunny weather. Yesterday, an overly friendly bird dropped a special treat on my black yoga mat. At first, I was a little grossed out! I think it could be a representation of good luck. A drop of encouragement. Keep practicing yoga outside and sharing the practice of unity. I think that makes sense.
There is an unwritten rule, that when a bird poos on you it is supposed to represent good luck. Perhaps, poo on the yoga mat is really special!
No injuries caused by the doodoo so I will continue to practice outdoors with my Coast Guard crew.
yours gingerly,
Whitney Schnarr
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Yoga Job Part II
My last blog focused on making enough money to support your career as an instructor. The day after I requested a higher pay rate the fitness centre replied and agreed to increase my rate to $35.00 per class. I was suprised that they were willing to work with my shift schedule at the Coast Guard.
If you think you are being underpaid for a job than it is important to find out how your job is valued in the eyes of your employer. Perhaps they cannot afford to pay you anymore but it is always worth asking. Everytime you confront a payment issue it only gets easier. I learned from a wise friend who helped me find some personal ground so that I can stick up for what is important.
Get some backbone + love life.
yours gingerly,
W h i t n e y S c h n a r r
If you think you are being underpaid for a job than it is important to find out how your job is valued in the eyes of your employer. Perhaps they cannot afford to pay you anymore but it is always worth asking. Everytime you confront a payment issue it only gets easier. I learned from a wise friend who helped me find some personal ground so that I can stick up for what is important.
Get some backbone + love life.
yours gingerly,
W h i t n e y S c h n a r r
Monday, May 24, 2010
Yoga Jobs
Last week I arrived back in my home city, Waterloo! I was living in Florida and attending school. Before I could come home I had to attend Coast Guard training at the Trenton, ON. We were stationed for training on the Air Force base. It was a cool experience and I got to wear my Coast Guard blues all week. Not to mention have a great time with the Inshore Search and Rescue coxswains and rookies.
Once in Waterloo I have began searching for yoga opportunities. Randomly, a fitness centre called me requesting a yoga instructor. My Bikram Yoga instructor had given out my name to a fitness centre. I was so excited that I booked an interview immediately. After two hours of perfecting my resume and getting ready for the interview I arrived at the fitness centre. They had a charming owner and were willing to work with my shift schedule with the coast guard. She showed me the open space just off the main workout zone and said that I would be paid twenty dollars per class. The money and the awkward space did not bother me at this point everything seemed surreal. I just really wanted to teach yoga in my home city.
I left the interview excited and already thinking about how I would approach the two weekly classes. Prior to the interview I had told my friends about the opportunity, so everyone was asking me about my plans. I started thinking about the expense of driving my parents car 15 minutes to the fitness centre and my time before/after the class. Friends and family could not believe that I was willing to teach a class and make no money. I started agreeing with their logistics. It came down to the fact that yoga is a lifestyle but it is also my profession. I emailed saying that I would be unavailable to teach unless I could be paid the average instructor pay rate.
It was hard to forgo a yoga opportunity but your time and dollar are important, too. I prefer walking, roller blading, or biking to my yoga classes. Unfortunately, borrowing my parents car did not add evenly to the equation. I am sure there is someone closer who would love teaching to their community. It was hard to let go of the yoga opportunity but I think I made the right choice. Now I am planning a charity event and going to try my best to give back to my home city of Waterloo.
Thoughts from yoga instructors?
yours gingerly,
Whitney
Once in Waterloo I have began searching for yoga opportunities. Randomly, a fitness centre called me requesting a yoga instructor. My Bikram Yoga instructor had given out my name to a fitness centre. I was so excited that I booked an interview immediately. After two hours of perfecting my resume and getting ready for the interview I arrived at the fitness centre. They had a charming owner and were willing to work with my shift schedule with the coast guard. She showed me the open space just off the main workout zone and said that I would be paid twenty dollars per class. The money and the awkward space did not bother me at this point everything seemed surreal. I just really wanted to teach yoga in my home city.
I left the interview excited and already thinking about how I would approach the two weekly classes. Prior to the interview I had told my friends about the opportunity, so everyone was asking me about my plans. I started thinking about the expense of driving my parents car 15 minutes to the fitness centre and my time before/after the class. Friends and family could not believe that I was willing to teach a class and make no money. I started agreeing with their logistics. It came down to the fact that yoga is a lifestyle but it is also my profession. I emailed saying that I would be unavailable to teach unless I could be paid the average instructor pay rate.
It was hard to forgo a yoga opportunity but your time and dollar are important, too. I prefer walking, roller blading, or biking to my yoga classes. Unfortunately, borrowing my parents car did not add evenly to the equation. I am sure there is someone closer who would love teaching to their community. It was hard to let go of the yoga opportunity but I think I made the right choice. Now I am planning a charity event and going to try my best to give back to my home city of Waterloo.
Thoughts from yoga instructors?
yours gingerly,
Whitney
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)