June is a month of graduations and transitions to a new phase of life for many. My daughter is graduating and in only a few months she’ll be off to UCLA to start on a new path. Although she is probably tired of me giving her advice & holding her accountable for her actions, I can’t help share a few more lessons in hopes that it makes a positive difference in this exciting next phase of her life. I hope these lessons speak to you and if there is a student who might benefit from this wisdom, please pass the newsletter on as a graduation gift.

#1. It’s not what you have it’s who you become that matters. What you have & what you do will never be as important as who you become. In yoga we call it Svadhyaya or self-study. Learn to meditate on the self & find the light within. In the Bhagavad Gita one of the oldest & most read scriptures today, it is written, “On this path, effort never goes to waste and there is no failure”. While this particular author was speaking of the path of enlightenment, this quote can be applied to any effort we undertake in the pursuit of being all we can be.

#2. Find Your Treasure. By treasure, I’m not talking about material things or your net worth. I’m talking about finding something in life that you’re passionate about and pursue it. Take that passion, give it your all, and then not only will you be happy, but you’ll also be successful. Choose a first class education or place to work that will challenge you, and then surround yourself with bright, motivated people with integrity.  Always be learning & remember to have fun along the way. Don’t just pick a career at which you’re good. Pursue a career that you love instinctively and that comes intuitively for you. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says to Arjuna, “Better your own dharma done imperfectly, than someone else’s done perfectly”.

#3 Be A Leader. Pay close attention to the leaders you admire and then figure out ways to emulate them. Too many people struggle with a fear of leadership, both a fear of offering leadership and of responding to the leadership of others. Move past this and develop the courage & skills to be an effective leader and just as important learn to be an effective follower when that is the right thing to do. Today, more than ever, you are needed. Your strong character is needed. Your finely honed skills are needed. I know you will rise to the challenge.

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions - Confucius

#4 Find A Mentor. The common Zen expression, when the student is ready the teacher will appear. Ready or not, teachers are constantly appearing in our lives, but sometimes it is difficult to recognize because we are looking for someone that meets our image or idea of “teacher.” As I look back at my life some of my most impactful mentors are people I didn’t realize were mentors at the time. Finding a kalyanamitra the Sanskrit word for spiritual friendship is something more than someone to hang out with, but rather implies a person that becomes our guide and serves to inspire us along our path to awakening.

#5 Joy in life comes from the things you do daily, not in the next big thing.

The things you do daily are what make up your life. I remember I was at a beautiful place called Red Rocks at early dawn presenting at a yoga conference. I looked out to an amazing group of smiling faces under a clear blue sky with the mountains in the distance and I turned to my assistant and said, ” Amazing, do you realize I get paid to do this?”

#6 You become like the people whom you associate, the books you read and the things you watch. If you were to evaluate the major influences in your life that have shaped the kind of person you are, this has to be high on the list: the people and thoughts you choose to allow into your life.  “Never underestimate the power of influence.” Indeed, the influence of those around us is so powerful! Many times we don’t even realize we’re being strongly affected because influences generally develop over an extended period of time.

To my daughter heading to college, my son heading to high school and everyone else creating a new chapter in your book of life take time to pause & reflect between the celebrations and the winding road ahead.

Russell Simmons’ Top Principles to Super Richness

#1 Give Your Talents Until They Can’t Live Without It

“Wake up in the morning and find out what you want to give as opposed to what you want to get,” he says. “Through this practice of becoming a good giver you become a good getter.”

Simmons gives examples of many of his former selfless, tireless and upaid interns that went on to greatness, including Sean Combs, Kevin Liles, and Julie Greenwald, recently named COO of Atlantic Records Group.

“Those who focus on being good servants usually attract the most in the end,” he says.

Basically, offer your talents and skills for free and the rewards will find you.

#2 Relentlessly Pursue Your Goals Without Appearing Needy

Simmons’ law of attraction says: “when you chase things, they will always run from you.”

This principle goes hand-in-hand with principle number one by virtue of the more you give, the more good that will just find you.

#3 If You Don’t Love it, Leave it Alone

This is not only the idea that you should do what you love and a wealth of richness will follow, but the idea that you should only do things you are “karmically” comfortable doing.

“People can sell anything,” from bombs to drugs, he says, even though there are very serious ramifications to those actions. “I want to stress that making money just for the sake of getting paid is a pedestrian activity that you can rise above.”

If you don’t love it, don’t do it.

#4 Let Go of the Results

“You really have no control over the results, you have control over the action,” he says. “So make sure you perform your action and your duty well.”

In the accompanying clip, he explains that he has no recollection of his very first paycheck, but says he certainly does remember making his first good record.

“All I could think is ‘when my friends hear this record’ it will make them so happy,” he reminisces. “Do things you love. Do things that you have faith will make other people happy and that will give back what you give them.”

#5 Get Open

“You want to always be open, creative and fluid as possible, and never become rigid, old or tight,” he writes, encouraging readers to let loose and lower your defenses.

The Joy of Giving

Simmons’ list of his successes are deep but the endeavors most important to him may be those that go along with his first principle listed above. The idea of being a “good giver.”

He is known globally for not only his business acumen, but also his commitment to philanthropy. Simmons has devoted an entire division of empire to charity and non-profit work.

A yogis guide to Super Rich

Transformational Tip #1: Get Nich’d ~ There are many styles of yoga & there’s a style that’s perfect for you.  Your personality, your fitness level & your schedule will help determine what style of yoga & what type of teacher is the best fit for your needs. There’s lots of good yoga, but not every teacher or style will be good for you. Explore different styles & philosophies. When you find a teacher with the experience & education that connects with you become a devoted student & learn all you can from your teacher. A good teacher will take a devoted student from where they are to where they need to go.

Transformational Tip #2: Ease into it~ Just because you walked around the block, doesn’t mean you should run a marathon the next week. Yoga is no different. Whenever you start something new, ease into it. Give your body & your mind time. Yoga helps bring the physical body back into balance by strengthening the weaker, less frequently used muscles & elongating the stronger, over used muscles. Mentally it works on giving our brain a rest from redundant, recycled thoughts that constantly pass through our heads, judgment, criticism & competitiveness. Spiritually it helps us connect with the deepest part of our inner self. You may find resistance not just physically, but mentally & spiritually as well, so ease into your yoga journey & let it unfold at a rate that’s right for you.

Transformational Tip #3: Breathe ~ Yoga without the breath is like surfing without any waves. Breath is the invisible link between the body & the mind. Without the proper use of breath, yoga becomes much like some form of eastern callesthenics.

To learn more about the foundational principles of yoga & begin a regular practice try my Yoga Body Lean & Defined DVD. For more advanced students try Yoga Body Fat Burning & for the Ashtanga Vinyasa lover try Power Yoga Live.

Learn How to LOVE Every Bit of Your Yoga Business

Whether you are one of the many new members of our growing community, or have been with us right from Day 1, we wanted to share something with you that might come as a surprise.

We don’t fundamentally see this as a business school.

How could the Yoga School of Business NOT fundamentally be a business school, you ask?

It’s a question we get all the time.

We are an organization that supports yoga teachers to do more of the yoga you love, more easily. We chose business education as a means of doing this because there’s a lack of accessible, affordable, specialized yoga business training.

The effect of this unavailability is really showing.

It’s rare to hear someone come out of a yoga class not feeling rejuvenated. Yet it is equally as rare to meet a yoga teacher who is totally fulfilled with their business, from their finances to their life balance. As the teacher, you deserve to thrive from your practice in all areas of your life, just as much as your students do. But part of what you need to realize this, is missing.

Many of you have received only part of the education you need to have the full, balanced, thriving practice you want. As the saying goes, “you don’t know what you don’t know.”

The challenge is mostly not related to your asana. Sure, you always want to improve your practice. But the underlying reason why many teachers struggle to make a great living, balanced with an equally great personal life, is that you have never learned essential business skills, like how to:

Market yourself, authentically (i.e. no cheesy sales person)
Discover your niche
Charge what you’re worth (or do your taxes!)
Get organized
(let alone how to keep up your own practice)
What started as our quest to make a difference in yoga teachers’ lives has grown into a pioneering school that provides the best, most convenient, affordable business education for yoga teachers.

Here is what one of our students had to say:

As a new yoga teacher with absolutely no business experience, I was looking to gain more insight and knowledge on how to find success in my new career path, while still finding time for my personal life.  After just the first two months of training, I have already noticed a positive shift in my life, both in my career as a yoga teacher and in my own personal life experiences.  This training has provided me with not only useful information on how to market my business and stay organized, but also on how to shift my perspective on my life as a whole in order to find success in everything I do.  This is a life-changing course, which can only benefit those who wish to be a part of it.  The weekly coaching calls provide me with great support and insight from those who have been in my position before and truly want to help me achieve my goals and dreams.  I am so excited to continue growing, learning, and finding success throughout the remainder of the training, and to carry on all that I have gained into my life after the training ends.
- Chantelle King

If you are a Yoga Teacher and want to learn how to create a truly abundant practice, come to one of our upcoming FREE INFORMATION CALLS to learn more about
The Yoga Business Builder: A Coaching Program for Yoga Teachers.

Program Outline & Tuition: The Yoga Business Builder: OnlineFaculty: Stephanie Tait & Stacy McCarthyDates: Training is from September 2010 – June 2011Capacity: 12 studentsLearn more:  RSVP for the FREE Information Call at info@yogaschoolofbusiness.com(Early Bird Special ends September 20)

You’ve got to learn to enjoy the process of discipline & putting yourself through the practice of doing the uncomfortable until it becomes comfortable. As I tell my students, you’ve got to find comfort in healthy discomfort.

You’ve got to be prepared & willing to take the challenges if you want the results because challenges are part of getting the results. As a teacher I want to consistently take my students to their edge in their practice, to breathe into a more challenging version of what they think is possible.

I can promise you that the challenges you’ll meet on your yoga journey to getting on your mat & being consistent in your practice are far less difficult to deal with than the struggles & pain that come from being inflexible, weak & stressed from the lack of working the body & mind intelligently & holistically with balance & feeling.
The payoff of taking care of the body and paying attention to its workings through yoga, is finding ourselves focusing the mind, settling the breath & finding stillness in the unending chatter of our lives.

Namaste ~ Stacy

• Wake Up To The Sun – The Flow & Rhythm of Surya Namaskara
• Yoga: Beyond the Body
• Market Yourself Authentically for Mind Body Professionals

Please join me for an exceptional weekend of growth, connection, healthy, delicious meals & mindful movement from sunrise to sunset!

• Over 100 educational sessions in Classic and Eclectic Pilates, Yoga, Nia®, GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® training methods, Franklin Method®, BOSU®, Integrated Movement, Meditation, Mindful Living, Health, Nutrition, Wellness and much more.

• Earn up to 18 CEC hours from ACE, AFAA, NASM, and PMA. All CECs are pre-approved, an agency petition is not necessary.

• Over 35 world-renowned presenters, leaders and innovators in the field of wellness will share with your their areas of expertise.

• Explore 2 specialized preconference workshops: Pelvic Power for Core Integration with Eric Franklin and STOTT PILATES® Essential and Intermediate Reformer on the V2 Max Plus™ Reformer, Parts I & II Movement.

• An intimate conference limited to 550 attendees—enjoy an opportunity to think, breathe and connect meaningfully with presenters and other participants.

• Energizing and thought-provoking Opening Ceremony with keynote speakers, Mark Allen, six-time Ironman world champion & Brant Secunda, shaman and healer. They are the authors of Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You.

• La Quinta Resort & Club—a shimmering jewel in the desert. This beautiful, tranquil oasis is the ideal environment for the mindful, reflective Inner IDEA experience.

• Special events throughout the weekend include the Welcome Reception, five nourishing, holistic meal experiences and many networking opportunities.

• Inner IDEA Marketplace. Discover mind-body-spirit resources, tools & education. Explore products, books, music, DVDs, clothing, accessories, equipment and much more from leading mind-body-spirit providers.

• Mindful Moments from Sunrise to Sunset. Greet the day with morning experiences or ease into the evening with unique evening experiences.

Inner IDEA is for:

• Pilates Instructors
• Yoga Teachers
• Group Exercise Instructors
• Owners/Managers
• Personal Trainers
• Lifestyle Coaches
• Wellness Professionals
• Holistic Health Professionals
• Students and Enthusiasts

The Inner IDEA Conference has become the leading educational event to study integrative wellness with the world’s top researchers, teachers and presenters.

With fresh new programs (over 90% of this year’s program is different from last year’s) we invite you to learn, experience endless possibilities and transform yourself. Join us as we celebrate our 5th anniversary, and explore the exciting future of wellness.

This six-month program provides students with an opportunity to build upon the material introduced in a 200-Hour Teacher Training, integrate what they’ve learned through practical application in the classroom, and support the development of their individual voice and style as a yoga teacher. Through a combination of workshops and six-month apprenticeship with a senior trainer, students will refine their teaching skills, identify areas of expertise, and set the foundation for fully incorporating yoga into their life path.

REQUIREMENTS

6 month apprenticeship with a mentor teacher
14 weekend workshops
Weekly Wednesday night series alternating Philosophy & Practice Teaching
Pranayama Series Wednesday nights before select workshops
Final Project

DATES & TIMES

May 15 – November 21, 2010
2 weekends per month: Saturdays & Sundays,12-4pm
Wednesdays evenings: 7-10pm

See program schedule for topics and dates.

APPRENTICESHIP
Through the apprenticeship program, students will benefit from working more closely with a senior teacher. In this component of the course, participants continue to cultivate their teaching skills by applying them practically, in the class room. Additionally, trainees build upon what they learned in their initial training, solidifying and integrating the information through a consistent, one-on-one relationship and on-going dialogue with their mentor. As assistants in their mentors classes-trainees hone their ability to see bodies and give hands on adjustments. In addition, they have the opportunity to observe a senior teacher instructing, sequencing, adjusting and inspiring their students, and through this process to imprint these crucial elements of superlative teaching. Twice monthly mentor meetings will reinforce this learning process and serve as a forum to address questions and issues related to teaching yoga. Time and location vary by mentor.

Apprenticeship Requirements
Assisting mentor in class once a week
Taking mentor’s class once a week
Taking a class with another approved Senior Teacher once a week
Two meetings per month with mentor teacher

TUITION
$3450 early registration by April 12; $3600 after April 12.
Application deadline: April 12, 2010 (must be paid in full by this date to receive early bird price)

Yogi’s have pursued their practice with commitment & devotion for centuries. It’s not a fad or the latest fitness craze. Those who commit themselves to this ancient technique purposefully, intentionally & with passionate devotion know that yoga’s secret & it’s real power doesn’t lie in the youthful vitality & a body free from fear, but in it’s ability to connect to the deepest part of ourselves and create lasting peace.

My family & friends often ask me why do I love yoga so much?

Below are my top 5 reasons Why I love Yoga, what are yours?

5. Yoga creates a lean, strong, flexible body.
4. Yoga cleanses the body & heals old injuries.
3. Yoga is liberating~Breaking the bonds that confine me physically, mentally & spiritually.
2. Yoga expands my consciousness.
1. Yoga creates lasting peace.

Why do you love yoga?

I asked Tammy what is the benefit to our local teaching community?
“Teachers and new teachers will use YogaSubs to  get their yoga business off the ground, as well as enhance their  existing business.  We will discuss how to price yourself for the  subbing market, market yourself, manage your time and finding your  niche as well as other subjects of interest.   I know this was an area  of concern when I was considering becoming a teacher.  I have been  successful myself and am teaching up to 9 classes a week.  I finished  my teacher training in March 2010!”

The afternoon will look like this:
We will meet at 2:30 for 45 minutes to network together and raffle the Yoga Goodies.
At 3:30 we will begin a dynamic, flow practice with Stacy McCarthy.
Bring your mats.
Bring a friend who  is a new teacher or soon to be or is curious about what you are doing  and may be deciding if  becoming a teacher is for them! You and your friend  recieve 5 raffle tickets.
In order to take the class with Stacy you must attend the networking group.

This is the beginning of YogaSubs.com please join us as we grow the network of  San Diego Yoga Teachers eager to spread their wings and share YOGA, with the rest of the world.

Please E-mail or call in your reservation to Tammy Moretti 619-316-6697, tsmoretti@gmail.com. Space is limited.
Please DO NOT contact Haute Yoga for your reservations.
Haute Yoga is located at:

437 South Highway 101, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Hauteyoga.com