I had a major life choice to make, and I will say that my yoga and meditation helped me once again find some answers. For me the practice is therapeutic, and I listened to so much in my life and when a new opportunity presented itself, I listened to the message and listened.
For many years, almost a decade, I have been an independent contractor and worked at many sites and studios. Making a living this way was possible and requires a lot of organization skills; something I am often asked about by those who want to know how they can make a living teaching yoga full time. I wasn't actively looking for anything new however I know how important it is to network.
In addition to working at various health care sites, I have been working at a private school for 4 years. Unfortunately, the school didn't pay much and couldn't offer me many hours, even when I worked at two locations for them. So, when another school approached me, we began talking. The head of school was going to hire me for a couple of sessions a day and they didn't know much about yoga therapy but listened and inquired more. Often the school hired a yoga teacher or someone with a fitness background. However, they went back to their team to explore other ways I could help them. She saw the potential and experience I had working with adolescents with a variety of mental health issues and ways my accounting and recruiting work would also be educational. I will say that it is nice to work with someone who could 'think outside of the box', but also has a mental health background. Even though we are not providing therapy, we do need to understand it.
Anyway, I began two weeks ago and last week was the first full week with the students at The Sycamore School. I am working with middle and high school groups, often 15 to 20 students; many have ADHD and/or Autism and have experienced bullying at other places of education. They have already touched my heart and now I see where all my years of work and education have brought me here. I am also doing some one-to-one sessions and even some career planning for the seniors. One senior requested me as their mentor as they work on their High School project. The commute time is less and now as an employee I have benefits such as PTO and Parking! I really enjoy the staff as well and there was much that just felt right about the place. The Sycamore School has one location in Rosslyn Arlington, VA, but many come from all parts of the DMV.
This year has presented itself with many changes, loss, grief, and I am glad that I didn't stay within my comfort area and allowed for change to happen; even when I felt scared. Money is not the only consideration, however overall, I will be earning more than all the other jobs combined. However, I will say that teachers of any sort, even yoga, are not compensated well. Therefore, when this school made me the offer, they even noted that 'for someone with your experience it should be more' however what I noticed was it was slightly higher than the market. But yes, all teachers should be paid more. They do a lot of work off the clock time, even for yoga classes. There is a lot of continued education, safety trainings, set up, clean up, mentoring, planning, and they often do what they do because they care so much.
Anyway, sometimes you have to trust your heart. However, listening to our body and its message is challenging. We 'override' the message often and that is where I find the therapeutic 'bottom up' approach quite useful in a yoga practice. It's within a yoga practice where we can focus on the body's responses before another part of the brain 'thinks about it'. In my case I really had to accept the level of anxiety I was living with as well as trying to please so many; known as holding or attaching in the 8 limbs of yoga. It was hard to let the positions and students go, but as I sat with it, I also realized it was time to move on. As I came to this decision, I also gave some notice, even though I wasn't required, and then observed that I was able to refer some other yoga teachers. We often don't see the bigger picture of our actions; karma yoga helps us make choices based on something bigger than ourselves.
That being said I want to take the time to remind each of you that a very important election is coming up. This is your time to make an impact that will make a difference to a large population of people, present and future. You can't rely on the news as your only source though, as it may be filled with a bias opinion. Be sure to do some research, check sources and get involved. Do something!
In the meantime, I still offer online sessions and will do the workshops at 532Yoga in person in Old Town (see next one below). I will also offer workshops at "Life with Cancer" with Inova as well.
You can still reach out to hire me for corporate, group or private sessions as well.
***************************************************************************
Hope to see you soon and email me if you have any requests or questions.
Have wonderful Labor Day weekend!
paigesyoga@me.com
--Paige