We should all be watching and listing to Davy Jones.

Davy came into this conversation with more nuggets about organizing, connecting, and taking a stand against organizations than almost any other guest I have had on this podcast.

I can’t wait for you to listen.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

*First, I would just really love to mention that the UK has a labor union for yoga pros.  This is a thing that happens around the world, and I am excited to explore this conversation more in the coming months.

*In spite of many objections by SO many (really SO SO many) people I have talked to in the yoga space, a union actually could help yoga professionals in North America.  The union could do for us what it does for UK workers–provide advocacy, health insurance, support, and accountability for the profession of yoga.  Collectively, we are better together.  Unions can be part of our solution.

*Ever since I started getting involved with advocacy work in regards to the IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists) people keep asking me some variation of the same question.  “Are YOU starting an organization?”  But this begs the question I asked Davy about the British Wheel of Yoga.  What is the point of an organization?  We have a lot of orgs that claim to be doing good work in the field, but very few can come to the table with receipts.  The British Wheel of Yoga is just one of many in this regard.

*Building community and service into our business models is SO crucial for aligning our businesses with yogic principles.  It is inevitable that we will need to price our services in such a way that we make enough money to keep our doors open, but unpacking the question of how we give back is key to going forward in our industry with integrity and respect for the tradition and practice of yoga.

*UK Community Outreach Network is the coolest idea I have heard in such a long time.  Honestly, can I interview everyone who is involved in this so we can tell the world how it works?  Please?  Also, does anyone in the States want to work on this with me?

*Let’s chat about an organization that keeps our students safe.  What does this look like?  How can we support this sort of organization? 

*I don’t know how many times I have referenced BREWED, a program I do at my studio for studentship, but please go ahead and steal my idea.  Studentship courses can offer people a deeper understanding of yoga and yogic principles without actually needing to train people to be yoga teachers. 

*What do you feel about regulation in our industry?  I do truly believe that we are doing good enough work to stand up overall regulation as an industry.  Does that mean licensing?  I don’t know if that is the answer but we certainly can stand up to general oversight as an industry.

*We ARE part of the solution of the crisis of public health.  Davy could not have said that better.  When you are feeling down, please remember that. 

RESOURCES

Working In Yoga Website

Working In Yoga Newsletter

Davy’s Website 

Brighton Yoga Foundation