Meditations and Yoga: Extending The January Rush -- YBJ #78 Year-End 2011

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Issue 78 Year End 2011
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What is Yoga Business Coaching?

Yoga Business Coaching is a partnership of deep communication -- an empowering dialogue
designed to serve your success as a yoga entrepreneur.

This is not a typical consulting scenario. In an on-going relationship, we will
develop a trust that will allow me to serve as your advisor and confidant, helping
you envision and achieve your business and personal goals.

As a sounding board and catalyst for creative thinking, we will ensure that you
make good choices for your business and your life. Together, we will co-design projects,
marketing campaigns, and implement systems that will make your venture grow and
flow smoothly.

My program is tailored specifically to your unique situation, regardless of whether
your business is in start-up phase or already established. We will look at your
entire life as your yoga, with your business as an extension of who you are. We
will fit your business into your life in a way that will support your highest goals,
and your highest good.

This program works -- but don't take my word for it, read what clients around the
world are saying about their experience. Just click here [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=qqoxszn6&et=1108635234808&s=4418&e=0011T6EM5TzknMGt9dIwF4FOyYmDFeN5s9OSptUzps87sskT-HcY1WiFBAV4k6_AfxfR9cK_IjMFfcqhCGexNAYidYYhpnmzfIiq36tr_4XQE61-NnVFZYqYgR64Y6hFYEeodVWCeGivPw=].

Namasté.

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...And I Quote:
Quotes [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=qqoxszn6&et=1108635234808&s=4418&e=0011T6EM5TzknM1gCkrnO5GUsHV-rKR2mMSf_yuiZcQzPWmNFE1HlwN9q3MnMkNGFFpXCH7UkjmssQPP56j6colx8OQu2JpPDm3phKup8ygQ9iq2q52QT49p7s_EcS7QGYPOiXqJv26Y6I=]

"Life is not meant to be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well preserved body - but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly
used up,
totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, WOW! What a ride!"

- Bill McKenna

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Have a favorite quote? Write to me!
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The Spirit of Yoga

This month, we'll go with a poem. If you have a favorite, send it over!

Boundaries

By Lynn Ungar

The universe does not
revolve around you.

The stars and planets spinning
through the ballroom of space
dance with one another
quite outside of your small life.

You cannot hold gravity
or seasons; even air and water
inevitably evade your grasp.
Why not, then, let go?

You could move through time
like a shark through water,
neither restless or ceasing,
absorbed in and absorbing
the native element.

Why pretend you can do otherwise?
The world comes in at every pore,
mixes in your blood before
breath releases you into
the world again.

Did you think the fragile boundary of your skin could build a wall?

Listen. Every molecule is humming
its particular pitch.

Of course you are a symphony.
Whose tune do you think
the planets are singing
as they dance?
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homepage [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=qqoxszn6&et=1108635234808&s=4418&e=0011T6EM5TzknMT0cMsSIeN2WgxM4LTmak2OrLCc68Sgtpdz6HiSOKZ46A1ux5mYieRGD29Oelj7HB_C8eIf_GBUeHn2gYVDLbowNLBpsJttmSXKL7TdQNF5A==]
New Web Site

Thanks those of you that have actually read my new web site. I appreciate all the
positive feedback. I had a lot of fun creating it (a little bit of Photoshop skill
can be a dangerous thing!), so, if you haven't seen it, click on the goofy guy above
and you'll be taken there.

A big thank you to my wonderful web goddess, Michelle. You rock.

Any comments or constructive criticisms are welcome. Enjoy.
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Namasté david,
Well, it's the end of the world, YEAR, I meant year! (I'll get to that subject in
a minute). Despite all the Y2K-like prognostications, I'm sure 2012, like any other
year, will bring us the usual mad rush of new and returning students determined
to achieve their goals through yoga... but, between us, we know that only a small
percentage of these well-intentioned people will stick around long enough to make
yoga a habit.
On our tele-class this month, we're going to do something about that!
When I don't feel like practicing, I try to remember (as I drag my derrière to class)
how good I feel afterward and how much more effective and productive I am the rest
of the day. After so many years of yoga, why do even "experienced" practitioners,
such as we are, occasionally need reminders (or in my case, a swift kick in the
yoga shorts)?
It's really all about strengthening our yoga habit -- and serving as an example
to our students -- which makes this month's subject especially relevant for this
time of year.
If you need some motivation yourself, you must see the video at the bottom. It's
quite inspiring, as long as we don't compare and judge ourselves against this freak
of nature - I mean, fellow practitioner.
May the coming year be your best ever. And do try to ignore any 2012 end-of-the-world
nonsense. The Mayan calendar ends soon because the guy carving it out of stone got
tired, missed his yoga class, was not getting any over-time pay, and figured the
people alive in 2012 can carve their own damn calendar.
Happy holidays from your friendly neighborhood Yoga Business Coach. In gratitude...
Enjoy.
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Extending The January Rush
It's almost 2012. Chances are, your classes will soon swell with yogis you may
have not seen in while, or have never seen before. These are the New Year's Resolutionists,
and if you don't do something, they will soon quit. And yes, I did make up the
word "resolutionists."
This month we will explore one of the most powerful ideas in the yoga universe
for extending the exciting January madness: The Yoga Challenge.
As you probably know, a yoga challenge is a voluntary program over a set time
period in which students commit to practicing a certain number of times per week.
You've likely heard the idea that it takes 21 to 30 days of doing something before
it becomes a habit. The yoga challenge is meant to give people a structure for
making that happen. There is no better time of year than now to put this into
place. It doesn't take much effort or resources, and the results can be dramatic.
For almost a decade, I have helped many studios around the world create the format
for their Challenge, and each one is different, depending on the personality and
vibe of their studio and its community. Some have opted for 30 days, some 60, some
longer. Some require students to practice every day, some five days a week, and
some allow yogis to set their own goal. Some studios do one challenge a year,
some two, some every season. Certain studios position it not only as a challenge
against oneself, but also award a prize to a yogi who practices the most number
of times. Some use a big board on the wall for all to see, some have discreet
cards for each participant kept in a file. There is a way that is right for
each studio, including yours.
So, if you want to build your business in a fun, exciting, community building way,
here's how to start:
First, decide to do this in a big way. Commit that you'll put the full weight
of your sankalpa(intention) behind this -- and hold as your primary goal to help
your students reach higher than they ever have -- safely and sustainably.
Next, decide a time frame and format for participation. Decide also if you want
to price this challenge separately, or to have students use their class cards.
One of the most powerful elements is to have each student write down their commitment
and sign it. Even more powerful is if they read their commitment aloud, in public!
(I don't mean on the street corner, although that might make it interesting)
but in front of other yogis and teachers in the studio, people they know who will
be able to support them on their journey.
Then, get all your teachers involved in promoting it. Raise the level of excitement.
And during the challenge, take photos that you can use to celebrate the efforts
of your students. Support each individual directly, talk to everyone, encourage
them to come forward for help if they're having difficulty, encourage students
to take each others' emails and phone numbers and support one another. Make announcements
in class with status reports on those really committed to the process to keep
the energy high throughout the challenge so next time you do it, your numbers
will double. Build community by helping them achieve!
If you're really serious about making this a sensation at your studio, sign up
for our upcoming seva-driven tele-class. On this call we will go into depth on
how to make this a success in your studio. You'll hear stories from my clients
and compare notes and exchange tips. This call will fill up quickly and space
is always limited, so, in the spirit of the New Year, don't procrastinate!
See below for details.
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The Next Seva-Driven Tele-Class
TClass [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=qqoxszn6&et=1108635234808&s=4418&e=0011T6EM5TzknNllhl7-L69GImQPyQXaq0TJk-GVwRB9To1oJ8Ik2hsj8tdTkXh-OJBG8L1-J1NPXtA-ngZInoWIq1amQqozk_I4itGDjqc6pYJFjM38X3rAs5T3wXCnFSN5GssPRWwMONU0L8pG2M1gg==]Join
us on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Noon Pacific Time/3:00PM Eastern Time for our
next seva (selfless service) or donation-driven tele-class.
On this call, we will discuss how to keep students on their mats way past January
using the powerful community and business building tool known as the Yoga Challenge.
This is a very timely call as the New Year is around the corner! If you want your
business to rock out this coming year, maybe you shouldn't miss this one...
As usual, this will be a lot of fun and, you never know, you might even learn something
valuable!
Please join our community of yoga entrepreneurs (who call in from as many as a dozen
countries) in this lively interactive discussion.
To join this month's class, I ask you to donate the usual $30 admission cost directly
to Doctors Without Borders or any cause that reaches you. If $30 is difficult for
you, donate what you can, or do some seva in a way that feels right to you.
Since space is limited, please email me your desire to participate and you'll receive
a confirmation approximately one week before the call, if there is room. Please
only request a spot if you are certain you will be available for the call!
All current clients and guests who send in an email request will receive a return
email with instructions for this tele-class. Click here [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=qqoxszn6&et=1108635234808&s=4418&e=0011T6EM5TzknMohrzGXPELmcn3dli9IbLGB5q9v5MHmx9miK-w52Nwb98uNm-DYblZIzDl9eDtrUrzybf0jpD1i1E5HNZBLC4kAazWHF3b8X1dhIkVTLylqi95opQwfDXt1d85YBpPZM1b_6lwffmDWg==]
to convert 12:00PM US Pacific time to the exact class time for your location. Just
enter the time and date and location (San Francisco, CA) and add your location.
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Client Spotlight
Jennifer Reis
I have had the pleasure of working with Jennifer and her business manager husband
Michael for over a year now. I've got to say, you couldn't find nicer, more genuine
and grounded people if you tried.
For me, there's nothing more satisfying than watching a client take a deep breath,
leap toward their destiny... and find out they can fly. Needless to say, no, forget
that - it's really important to say, that Jennifer did her homework in preparation
for this leap, and did it with dedication and focus. Beyond all the branding, positioning
and marketing strategies we created and implemented for her business, she dramatically
expanded her comfort zone and embraced the sometimes hard-to-believe beauty of where
her career is heading. The excitement shows on her face. I am so proud of Jennifer
and celebrate, as another client calls it, her biggification!
Here's her story. Enjoy. ~Alón

Stepping Onto the World Stage

Alón has become a mentor, advisor, supporter and friend, and I have learned so much
from his frank and sensitive guidance. With clarity, experience and humor, Alón
has shown me how to handle every issue I have brought up, and given me a path with
manageable steps to expand my knowledge and my business. I had been very focused
on creating and developing new styles of yoga and Yoga Nidra, but was unsure as
to how to reach a larger audience - to take it beyond my comfort zone.

I developed Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra, a transformative and healing guided meditation
that requires nothing more than to lie down and listen. I am honored to teach my
meditation and yoga regularly at the Kripalu Center in Massachusetts. With the
two top selling CDs in the Kripalu shop, I knew people were interested and benefiting
from my work. The question was how to bring it to the international yoga world,
and even beyond the yoga studio into the broader population? Alón's guidance helped
me build the confidence I needed to embark on this journey, and led me step by step
to make it happen.

We began by creating my personal brand. Alón is a genius at drawing out one's gift
and crafting powerful language to describe it. With that in place, we then worked
on the logo, tagline, and new website, and it was all much easier because there
was clear definition to what had previously been foggy. It was a lot of work, but
it was fun and engaging.

Through my monthly newsletter, Radiant Being, Alón taught me how to create community
and build my business with those who are already drawn to my work. I love to write,
and had already produced a lot of material including mudra charts and a 180-page
Yoga Nidra manual, so it came naturally to create an educational newsletter. It
was however, a big leap for me to share my personal side, which Alón held would
make a big difference.

(photo by Ricky Tran)

That's just one of the ways Alón nursed me through the smaller boxes I had been
existing in to expand and reach out by simply being myself. At times I have felt
intimidated that now over 1000 people every month are opening and reading Radiant
Being, but I am becoming more comfortable with the idea of being bigger in the world.
Now I have a rapidly growing community of subscribers, many of whom are in regular
contact with me and sign up for my retreats and trainings.

Another exciting development is that studios in Boston, Long Island, and Ontario,
to name a few, have invited me to teach Divine Sleep Yoga Nidra within their 200
and 500 hour yoga teacher trainings. This is especially gratifying because I love
working with YTT students.

I am inspired, excited about the future, and so pleased that I am able to share
my gifts and assist others in their healing and transformation. Alón helped prepare
me for this evolution in my life and business and I am grateful for all that has
been flowing in to fill the larger space I now embody.

Thank you, Alón!

Jennifer Reis

www.jenniferreisyoga.com [http://www.jenniferreisyoga.com]

Click here to read lots more client stories... [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=qqoxszn6&et=1108635234808&s=4418&e=0011T6EM5TzknMGt9dIwF4FOyYmDFeN5s9OSptUzps87sskT-HcY1WiFBAV4k6_AfxfR9cK_IjMFfcqhCGexNAYidYYhpnmzfIiq36tr_4XQE61-NnVFZYqYgR64Y6hFYEeodVWCeGivPw=]
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Et Cetera...

Wow [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=qqoxszn6&et=1108635234808&s=4418&e=0011T6EM5TzknPJ4g26IWaQ9vL5TWOiMve5Tx5ZMJivkOMDWxwpfTRLTiV7HggOfsR7hb4M3w-1HSVTr6wJ4kI_AaAYVzz6kbsmmEFKXXhVSU2Qp52ICAL-4R49eh1FNTPdIxz_O_ZsAaE=]

Crazy Cool

You simply have to see this guy in action. When I started doing yoga in 1987, the
brochure said that in a couple of decades I should be able do amazing things with
my body... and in a couple more decades, I should be levitating regularly.
Reality check: I can't. Not even close. What this guy does naturally would require
me to practice 7 more decades and trade my body in for a newer model.
Click the photo to watch and then check your brochure if you still have it.
Enjoy.
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Yoga Business Coach(TM) publications reach thousands of studios and teachers in
over 150 countries around the world. Thank you for spreading the word.

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Contact Alón
800.399.2977 From the USA
+1 415.294.4717 International
alon@yogabusinesscoach.com [mailto:alon@yogabusinesscoach.com]
http://www.yogabusinesscoach.com [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=qqoxszn6&et=1108635234808&s=4418&e=0011T6EM5TzknPR5Mo8R51lEoneKRChM7Jcx9WRGJ6-vfLltQPNqShat8q5Js0OvJULkHeeTMoalgR-47_e2TmrPHySUlGfu1tTcw33Dc6uAT7BSb_T5d4kvA==]
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Copyright 2004-2011 by The Yoga Business Coach(TM) All rights reserved. You're
welcome and invited to share and forward this publication to anyone, but please
do not excerpt or copy the ideas or text without proper attribution.

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