Thanks for dropping by. Loftier in what way?

thanks!

I guess it’s affordable because it can be done as a group. It’s hard to imagine a group acupuncture class… can you see it? “Okay, everyone, grab a fistful of needles and a partner….”

Private yoga sessions are usually more effective because they are tailored to your body and your needs, and that can cost. I generally charge a flat rate for “house calls,” but people who come to me I see by donation, which could be money or something from the garden. But any yoga you get in is great as far as group classes or whatever. And there’s no substitute for a daily personal practice, which is free. My goal with private students is for them not to need me eventually, once they know what to do on their own and then actually do it.

This guy has been having a bit of fun over the idea of private yoga lessons taught by phone or webcam. But notice, after poking fun he does some yoga and goes on to write a fairly eloquent post about living in the moment. Hmmm. Wonder if yoga works….

It is a healer’s job to heal, the issue for most of us is the fear that we won’t be able to pay our bills, save for later in life, and so on. So teaching to wealthy clients certainly feels safer than going out on a limb and offering it up for free.

Especially since, in the current climate, we hear over and over how expensive our $10 and $15 classes are, students disappear because they feel that can’t afford it even when we do offer scholarships. It’s easy to feel as though our expertise is not valued.

Many of us have invested thousands upon thousands of dollars into our training not to mention years of our lives, so I don’t think it’s out of the question for people to be paid, especially given the unquestionable benefit of the service we provide to our clients. People pay their doctors without question, full-time yogis, well, we chose a more challenging path. Or it chose us, as is the dictum.

Traditionally in India, teachers and healers were (and are) sponsored by wealthy patrons, they didn’t have to handle money and could focus on what they were born to do. Here in the West, that just doesn’t happen — we rely on our students (and families!) to keep us in clothes and in our homes so we can continue our practice and study, to be more effective teachers and healers.

I hope to change the planet also, but through a ripple effect of generosity, that in giving it will inspire others to give.

Then I just have to trust that my needs will be met. So far so good.

Peace and blessings,
David

I’ve noticed, however, that most of them charge a hefty fee. One, in particular, claims she wants to change the planet (!) through her healing efforts. But gee, I notice she’s chosen to set up shop not in an urban ghetto where the need is great. But in a fancy hotel in Boulder, CO. Where the money is great.

I’m sick to death of either paying tons of money to alternative charlatans or being shut out from potential healing because I haven’t got the money. And, so far, pretty much all of these “new” and alternative schools of thought I have been able to try out have offered the same placebo effect the best of mainstream medicine offers. I will say most of the alternative stuff is medically (but not financially) more benign.

So frankly, just hearing you say what you’ve said is a healing breath of fresh air in my life. Thank you.