Get Merry

This episode is part of our Yoga Teacher Series, we chat ideas and opportunities you can take to kickstart your Yoga teaching journey.

You can learn more about our 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here.

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Find a local Facebook group where yoga teachers hang out and find class cover opportunities, which can lead to permanent positions.
• If there is a studio that you love, put yourself out there. Network and build a relationship with the studio owner.
• Get your foot in the door and offer classes at a community rate or even free of charge for people to get to know your teaching style.
• Join local council initiatives and explore funding opportunities to teach yoga.
• Tap into other industries or events for wellness opportunities and offer your service.
• Build your social media presence to share your values and mission, and for potential clients to research and connect with you.
• Teach private classes and find an opportunity to collaborate and network with other professionals that are aligned with what you're doing.
• Search for yoga teaching positions offered in hotels, resorts, hospitals, other treatment facilities, or in events like festivals.
• Expanding your network is the key to finding more yoga teaching opportunities.
• Teach yoga online for schools, industries, and other work industries.
• Run your own retreats or host small groups or 1 on 1.

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is part of our Yoga Teacher Series, we reflect on our conversations with our trainees from the 2024 cohort of MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training and the unexpected lessons that came from it.

You can learn more about our 2025 MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. As we mentioned in this episode, you can find our Yama and Niyama series over HERE.

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Yoga Teacher Training extends much further than learning how to teach yoga and improving your physical Asana practice.
• Setting and accomplishing a goal during the training builds self-belief.
• A lot of self-reflection is invited as Yoga Teacher Training allows the opportunity to reflect on who you are and how you want to live your life.
• Because of the increase of focused practice of meditation, Pranayama and Asana during the training, enhanced self-awareness comes with it.
• Self-acceptance becomes a profound practice as you dive deeper into yoga's philosophy.
• Everything you learn on the mat or in the Yoga Teacher Training ripples out and touches every aspect of your life.
• Self-compassion and self-forgiveness are also unexpected lessons that you will take away from the MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training.
• Despite being an online program, the community bonds that we make are strong and lasting, creating meaningful connections.
• Emotional resilience and dealing with change also come from the training, as well as letting go of expectations and surrendering.
• Learn more about Yamas and Niyamas HERE.

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We received a lovely compliment: "I love the way you do business." This episode is inspired by those kind words.

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Staying true to your moral compass is important.
• If you're only focused on building a business and nothing else in your life, then every other important part of your life gets forgotten about.
• Business pivots.
• Following our bliss is the big overarching theme in our business journey.
• Keeping a lean team allows for deep connections and meaningful support to our community.
• In this digital age where faster is better and less personable, for us, personal connections matter. From 1-on-1 check-ins with our Yoga Teacher Trainees to sending physical tokens of appreciation, building and nurturing genuine relationships has been our cornerstone.
• Get your head around finances and accounting for profit and loss.
• Foundations and processes are important for business longevity.
• Say yes to the things that you really want to say yes to. Say no to things you really want to say no to. 
• If you have strong foundations and the right people leading the team, survival and thriving is all possible in an economic downturn.

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time to go behind the scenes of what it's like to be a Yoga Teacher, we talk about the things you need to do to overcome the fear of Teaching Yoga.

We go far deeper into these subjects inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• The nervousness and anxiety associated with teaching a Yoga class is natural. 
• You're never going to feel ready. You just have to jump in.
• Writing your sequence of what you're going to teach helps you prepare and be confident for a class or presentation.
• Using the "treasure map" approach or breaking down your poses help you overcome the anxiety of memorising your sequence. If you miss something, it's okay!
• Before walking into a class, get yourself grounded and calm, take a deep breath and switch your mindset to "teacher" mode.
• Be prepared for surprises such as when someone is running late or the music stops playing.
• Keep it simple and focus on repetition in sequences. Breath cues also help with the flow.
• The more you practise teaching, the more you progress.

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we shift from the discussions about Yogic philosophies to Carla's pregnancy update (she was at 36 weeks when we recorded this episode).

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Carla's been doing all the prep work like hypnobirthing, meditations and affirmations to feel calm and positive about the birth.
• Carla's having a dream pregnancy where she hasn't had any issues like sciatica or pelvic pain, aside from a little bit of back pain. Overall, it's been amazing!
• We're very grateful we have a lean business structure and a small team for flexibility.
• Healthy movement methods that release those feel-good endorphins including Pilates, yoga, and walking. 

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is Part 10 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Ishvara Pranidhana is the fifth Niyama and it translates to surrender.

We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Nischala Joy Devi translates Ishvara Pranidhana as wholehearted dedication. Through wholehearted dedication, we become intoxicated with the divine.
• What does Ishvara Pranidhana look like in our modern world? 
• Ishvara Pranidhana is looked at as one of the most important Niyamas. If we are to practise this, everything else just falls into place.
• If you are looking for a fast track to enlightenment and bliss, combine Tapas, Svadhyaya, and Ishvara Pranidhana. These are described as Kriya Yoga or yoga in action.
• The whole reason to practise yoga is to quieten the mind.
• If you're just joining us, we recommend starting from Part 1 to fully experience the logical flow of these Yogic philosophies. Here's a quick recap: We've covered Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (proper use of energy), Aparigraha (detachment), Saucha (simplicity), Santosha (acceptance), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study). Listen to:

410: Embracing Ahimsa | The First Step in Our Yamas Series

411: Discovering Satya, the Power of Truth | Yamas Series

412: The Practice of Asteya in Modern Life | Yamas Series

413: Exploring Brahmacharya in Everyday Life | Yamas Series

414: The Art of Detachment, Aparigraha in Yoga | Yamas Series

415: Exploring Saucha with Simplicity | Niyamas Series

416: Santosha, the Life Saving Practice | Niyamas Series

417: Devotional Discipline, the Power of Tapas | Niyamas Series

418: The Path of Self-Study, Svadhyaya | Niyamas Series

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is Part 9 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Svadhyaya is the fourth Niyama and it's the practice of self-study and study of the divine.

We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Nischala Joy Devi translates Svadhyaya as the sacred study of the divine through scripture, nature and introspection. If we do that, this will guide us to the supreme self.
• Svadhyaya invites us to look within and at the external, and realise that it's all connected.
• It invites us to the questions "who am I?", "why am I here?", and "how do I wanna live my life?".
• Always be willing for your concept of reality to change as your consciousness brightens. We have to be willing to let go of the old to welcome in the new.
• These Yamas and Niyamas can be incorporated into your daily yoga practice—both on and off the mat.
• If you're just joining us, we recommend starting from Part 1 to fully experience the logical flow of these Yogic philosophies. Here's a quick recap: We've covered Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (proper use of energy), Aparigraha (detachment), Saucha (simplicity), Santosha (acceptance), and Tapas (discipline). Listen to:

410: Embracing Ahimsa | The First Step in Our Yamas Series

411: Discovering Satya, the Power of Truth | Yamas Series

412: The Practice of Asteya in Modern Life | Yamas Series

413: Exploring Brahmacharya in Everyday Life | Yamas Series

414: The Art of Detachment, Aparigraha in Yoga | Yamas Series

415: Exploring Saucha with Simplicity | Niyamas Series

416: Santosha, the Life Saving Practice | Niyamas Series

417: Devotional Discipline, the Power of Tapas | Niyamas Series

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is Part 8 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Tapas is the third Niyama and it traditionally translates to discipline.

We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our MerryBody Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If this series sparks your interest we'd encourage you to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Sometimes the word "discipline" comes with negative connotations, so we like to add in "devotional discipline". Even when we're practising discipline, we need an element of love, compassion and forgiveness.
• Tapas is required if you would like to welcome any kind of change.
• Things are not always pleasant, but we have to move through those obstacles in order to keep going forward.
• In regards to MerryBody, Tapas is not just about being disciplined, but it's about how we do the things that we're being disciplined with.
• Tapas isn't about pushing ourselves to the brink. It's about honouring our bodies and minds, and knowing when to rest.
• Nischala Joy Devi translates Tapas as living life with zeal and sincerity. When we are disciplined, it invokes this inner flame within us.
• If you're just joining us, we recommend starting from Part 1 to fully experience the logical flow of these Yogic philosophies. Here's a quick recap: We've covered Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (proper use of energy), Aparigraha (detachment), and Saucha (simplicity). Listen to:

410: Embracing Ahimsa | The First Step in Our Yamas Series

411: Discovering Satya, the Power of Truth | Yamas Series

412: The Practice of Asteya in Modern Life | Yamas Series

413: Exploring Brahmacharya in Everyday Life | Yamas Series

414: The Art of Detachment, Aparigraha in Yoga | Yamas Series

415: Exploring Saucha with Simplicity | Niyamas Series

416: Santosha, the Life Saving Practice | Niyamas Series

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is Part 7 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Santosha is the second Niyama and it translates to contentment and acceptance.

We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you! Exciting!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Personally and professionally, Santosha is the backbone of everything we do here at MerryBody. It was a life-changing practice for us, particularly for our body image.
• When you practise acceptance, suddenly, you feel free and able to experience joy just the way that you are. Then, you become more harmonious.
• Societal pressures affect our self-esteem and Santosha acts as a shield against them. And the more that you practice it, the more easily it comes.
• Nischala Joy Devi translates Santosha as when at peace and content with oneself and others, supreme joy is celebrated.
• Santosha is an agreement of faith that we make with our divine self. We no longer see ourselves in the things that we have or in what we look like, instead we identify with the person within.
• Yoga is so much more than a down dog or the splits. It's so much more than the physical practice. It goes so much deeper.
• If you're just joining us, we recommend starting from Part 1 to fully experience the logical flow of these Yogic philosophies. Here's a quick recap: We've covered Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (proper use of energy), Aparigraha (detachment), and Saucha (simplicity). Listen to:
• 410: Embracing Ahimsa | The First Step in Our Yamas Series
• 411: Discovering Satya, the Power of Truth | Yamas Series
• 412: The Practice of Asteya in Modern Life | Yamas Series
• 413: Exploring Brahmacharya in Everyday Life | Yamas Series
• 414: The Art of Detachment, Aparigraha in Yoga | Yamas Series
• 415: Exploring Saucha with Simplicity | Niyamas Series

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is Part 6 of our 10-part snack-sized Yoga philosophy series on the Yamas and Niyamas. Nischala Joy Devi translates the Niyamas as an evolution toward harmony. If you practice the 5 Niyamas, you will move toward a more harmonious you. Saucha is the first Niyama which is translated as detoxification and cleanliness.

We go far deeper into these Philosophies inside our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. You can learn more about our Yoga Teacher Training program over here. If anything within this Yama and Niyamas Series sparks your interest we'd suggest to follow that spark... you never know where it may lead you! Exciting!

This is what we spoke about during the episode

• Patanjali reminds us to go a little bit deeper, Suacha is not just about taking a shower. 
• Pumping of the Big 6 (Stop Chasing Pain on Instagram) is a wonderful way of practising Saucha or detoxification when starting your day and it only takes about 30 seconds. Tap under your collarbone, behind your ears, shoulders, stomach, groin, and behind the knees, then bounce!
• Nischala Joy Devi says that through simplicity and continual refinement, the body, thoughts, and emotions become clear reflections of the self within.
• Our inner luminosity shines through continual refinement.
• Where can we simplify? Where is it that less is actually more for you?
• If you're just joining us, we recommend starting from Part 1 to fully experience the logical flow of these Yogic philosophies. Here's a quick recap: We've covered Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (proper use of energy), and Aparigraha (detachment). Listen to:

410: Embracing Ahimsa | The First Step in Our Yamas Series

411: Discovering Satya, the Power of Truth | Yamas Series

412: The Practice of Asteya in Modern Life | Yamas Series

413: Exploring Brahmacharya in Everyday Life | Yamas Series

414: The Art of Detachment, Aparigraha in Yoga | Yamas Series

If you loved this episode or have more questions about this, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla

P.s if you ever need further help or guidance please contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue. Asking for help is pure courage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.