“yoga is for the willing, not the flexible”

Two of the biggest misconceptions I hear about yoga asana are:1. Yoga is light stretching; and2. Yoga is for peaceful, serene peopleI'd like to address misconception #1 today - and get around to misconception #2 soon.Yoga is not about "stretching" -and you don't need to be flexible to practice.I heard it said a while back (and I'm not sure who to credit):"Yoga is for the willing, not the flexible."I love that!***Listen - people associate yoga so much with "stretching" that they think the whole purpose is to be nice and bendy.In fact we yoga teachers hear it all the time:"I'd love to take yoga but I'm not flexible!"So listen:You get (more) flexible (and strong) by PRACTICING YOGA.And even bendy people are often working hard in class, too!I mean -Do you really think that yoga practitioners are mostly just posing and showing off stuff that comes easily to us?(Hint: not really!)Yoga asana helps us GET strong, BECOME more flexible, and GAIN mobility.To wit: I am forty-six years old and I can do things my body has never done before!But I wouldn't be here, if I hadn't practiced.Yoga GAINS you those things.Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.And I encourage you not to compare yourself to others - ever.Because there will always be someone stronger, more flexible, wearing more stylish yoga gear, someone younger - all that stuff.I want to know if YOU want to feel better in your body, mind and spirit?If so - Yoga may be just for you!Remember:You can practice yoga anywhere, anytime. Yoga doesn't only "count" if you have a certain ability level, or if you practice a certain way, or for a certain duration.ALL YOGA COUNTS.My job as an instructor is to help YOU start to have fun in your practice!Once you start enjoying yoga asana, you'll come back.And you'll be on your way to reducing stress, feeling better, strengthening your body and your mind - and just chilling out a bit more!It takes time, and it takes patience.But time is passing anyway.If you're on my page, it's probably because you want to make the most of our precious time on this green planet!And I for one, am ready to practice WITH you!See you soon!- Agni**** A reminder!"Yoga" means all eight limbs of yoga - a lot more than poses or a workout.But for this particular post, I'm talking about yoga asana - the THIRD LIMB of yoga.

profit & loss, little switch yoga 2023

I am so proud to say - and so glad to UNIQUELY say it! - that I am sharing my Profit & Loss report for little switch yoga here at year end.To be honest, I have never seen another yoga teacher or studio do this.As usual, I'm a bit of a trailblazer!Now.I am not sharing this to receive business or financial advice.I am sharing this, to give you further insights as to what I'm building!Little Switch will turn one year old, in about a month and a half.Even though I'm not yet making a living wage, I am very happy with how it's going.Please do read on, as this will orient you well to my vision!***2023 REVENUE for little switch yoga:$2,674.00 YOGA EXPENSESRent, props (including a large investment for blankets and blocks), insurance, registration, print materials, and professional development:$1,850.96 TIPS$117.00 NET PROFIT BEFORE TAXES (my wages including tips): $940.04 # of classes taught for little switch (57)+# admin hours (85.5)= hours worked: 142.5number of student-hours served: 250 --------------- $ per hour: $6.60(I did not include gas, my yoga clothes, tea and food in my Expenses this year)I know what some of you might be thinking."If you aren't yet making a living wage yet, why are you offering free yoga*?"First you should know: in my work for Ompractice, I DO in fact get paid a living wage. The numbers above, are reflective of my LOCAL yoga group. What this means is, my total yoga earnings are helping keep my spirits up as I try to build something self-sustaining here in the Harbor.But it's true, when it comes to my local practice I'm not paying myself first. Not yet!I am giving yoga scholarships, and it is also true that I am purchasing props as well (rather than paying myself).You may have also noticed I am not purchasing the cheapest props out there.For instance, instead of buying polyester blankets (like you'll find in most studios), I bought 100% cotton. I am using cloths I made myself, instead of disposable wipes. That kind of thing.THIS IS ALL BY DESIGN, BY INTENTION.I am creating a sustainable, joyful community.It takes money and time but it really, REALLY takes a lot of thinking, designing, and polling of my students, that kind of thing.I'm proud of myself (and grateful to my partner) for keeping these records through 2023.And I am REALLY proud of what I've built for the funds I've had.In fact, most entrepreneurs don't make ANY hourly wage in their first year!I've done this WHILE building something fantastic. You only have to come to class - or share tea afterwards - to see what I mean.I have a stellar reputation, a wonderful community, and in 2023 I always have had at least one student in my class (whew!) - and I have carefully created an amazing prop library, WHILE paying rent to a local, independent business owner!That said -It's time to move into 2024!How you can help:At this time, I don't need advice on how to market, or how…

what if a yoga class is too hard?

One of the goals with yoga, is to make yoga a regular thing that fits in with your life. Maybe that means once a year you take a de-stressing workshop, using yoga pranayama. Maybe that means three times a week you go to a sweaty hatha and vinyasa flow: building strength and mobility. Or anything in between.

mean girls (or boys, etc) don’t belong in yoga

I've been practicing yoga about twenty-one years. I'm an old hat.I've been to lots of classes - hundreds. And I've seen all kinds of behaviors from students and teachers alike!But two of the worst behaviors I've seen, I re-experienced rather recently:Snobbery and exclusion.Yes, I attended a class where the instructor and the regulars didn't make eye contact, ignored my presence, and rebuffed my general friendliness.As practiced as I am - and as good as I am at finding joy on the mat - I left feeling dispirited and unwelcome.So.Here's the thing!Social engagements are tricky. What someone might experience as snobbery from a class regular could be a regular who is shy, uncomfortable with new people - that kind of thing. So even with my recent unsavory experience, I'm keeping an open mind. Gee I sure FELT unwelcomed, but perhaps I misread the vibe.But yes - it goes without saying there ARE people - including instructors - who are simply unwelcoming. They're not likely to be reading this post and they're not likely wanting to change.I'm not here trying to change THEM.I'm trying to help US build a better yoga community!So here are some actions we can take to make sure we aren't a yoga "mean girl" (/boy/genderqueer person, etc).Learn about the specific purpose (and/or level) of the class.Even terms like "beginner", "intermediate" and "advanced" are hard for a new practitioner to interpret. So as a class regular, your job is to understand and, when you represent the class (for instance, sharing on social media) to describe the class accurately.If you're a student in a class, take note of the class itself - which starts with the instructor. What is the instructor's vibe, attitude? Are they hushed and reverent? Are they feathery and New Agey? Are they athletic and aggressive? Are they strong, gorgeous, witty, urbane and playful? (that last one's me!)As an example: my Sunday group class is listed as "for all bodies". This means ALL bodies are welcome as I can accommodate anyone who shows up with a pulse. (And if I have trouble, you know I will research and do better next time!). So for instance in my class if a student can't or doesn't want to attempt an asana, I include them verbally, with optional instruction, and I include them physically by mirroring their body.Take note of the class accommodations and setting. Is the environment a calm one (private and peaceful), or a fairly active one (say, in a gym)? Are yoga props not only used but encouraged? Does the instructor have a plan - or do they wing it? Is the class an active, strengthening one - or more down-regulating? Does the class include meditations, chanting, or readings?The sooner you as a student begin to pay attention to the different types of yoga classes, the better you can represent and (if need be) orient new attendees.Remember: new people are intimidated.If you've been practicing a while you probably know that yoga is not all that intimidating. The…

one month in as an online teacher

If you ask any yoga teacher whether they prefer online or in-person yoga class, most say in-person. Most human beings like being together to go good work. They like sharing space, and taking comfort with these kinds of connections.This makes sense!That said, there are so many benefits to an online class.Online classes - whether teaching or participating - remove a lot of barriers to taking, or teaching, a yoga class. Online classes are generally lower overhead - you don't need to drive anywhere. As s a student you can show up RIGHT when class starts, and (if you needed to) you could also leave early with minimal disruption.For those who are housebound, or without easy access to travel, those living in rural or remote spaces, those with any form of social anxiety, and those wanting to minimize risk of illness - online live yoga classes are an absolute blessing. Each week I teach twice in-person and twice online.I am still over the moon to be included in Ompractice's impressive lineup! This teaching gig is a real blessing for me as it allows me to be paid appropriately for my expertise, to get to practice teaching - and to be part of a passionate yoga teaching community.The Ompractice platform is also just exciting to be a part of! They continue to deepen, develop and improve - it's very exciting to be involved!So!I'm adjusting to the differences of online vs. in-person. (I did teach online FREE GRATIS all year last year, but I had pretty low attendance.)For instance:As an online instructor I find myself more preoccupied - more worried - about my teaching performance. In person it's easy to make small talk, to make eye contact. It's also a bit easier in-person to sense someone's feelings. Not that I'm all that great at that, but there is a tactile awareness that transpires between students and teachers, when we share the same room.Uncharacteristically, at the end of my online class I find myself wanting to ask, "Was that okay? Did you have a good time?" I don't do that - for many reasons!But I still wonder!I notice that both online and in-person students are similar in that they are shy about asking for help before, during and after class.This might just be down to personality. I am a total TEACHER'S PET and NERD, I always have been. When I'm in a class I'm highly-engaged and I want to brain suck (warning, gross scene lol) everything I can out of teachers and fellow students. Now I've lived and learned enough to temper this proclivity of mine and to read the room, but honestly this is the kind of student I am!I am already starting to get some online "regulars", which feels very special. And just like it's best not to guess at why someone does or doesn't return to a class in person - it's just impossible to figure that out, online. Still, when someone comes for several classes and then doesn't return, I (of course!) worry…

Read more about the article i am not a “good vibes only” yoga teacher
Agni Hogaboom of Little Switch Yoga, Grays Harbor Aberdeen, WA

i am not a “good vibes only” yoga teacher

If we only practice yoga to lose weight or get those toned abs we are not only being a fair-weather friend to yoga, we are being a fair-weather friend to ourselves.

do you feel like you aren’t good enough to deserve nice things

A lot of people won't commit to a contemplative or physical practice because they don't yet feel "good enough" to invest (time, money, energy).Let me explain:They aren't good at meditating, so they don't want to try.They are "out of shape", so they want to somehow first (magically) get "in shape" before they join the gym.They won't be as fit/strong/capable as others in the yoga class - so they stay away.I get it - I really do.***These days I am a daily yoga practitioner. But for many, many years I went in and out of practice. I'd sign up for month-long challenges, work my butt off, complete those challenges - then I'd take a break off the mat. One day turned into two days turned into three weeks turned into months.Don't get me wrong, I was more committed than most. For example: post-Covid we had precisely ONE weekly yoga class here in town and I was there, every week. Many weeks, I was the only student there. I shared about the class on Facebook and Instagram in hopes more would attend, because I knew it was unreasonable for the teacher to keep teaching with just one person there! Eventually she stopped. I am still so grateful for the time she gave me.But I digress.All this to say: the stop-and-start yoga approach is really, really typical.(And nothing to be ashamed of.)So what happened, to make me a daily practitioner? (And a daily meditator!)***In late 2021 I started really thinking over my desire to become a yoga teacher. I love yoga so much and my favorite thing about it, is the way we can share. I also have had a taste of a yoga community - and it's wonderful. I knew that if I took the training, I could start building that community.I also knew if I started teaching classes, I'd bring my A-game - and I'd actually practice more.I was right - about all of it.I hacked my own system - my drive to be consistent and quality in everything I do - because I knew I would commit to practice more deeply.***I also built the yoga practice I wish we had here in Grays Harbor. I longed for a consistent teacher who left fitspo and fatphobia at the door. I wanted a group that dedicated itself to all the teachings of yoga - instead of treating it like another workout modality. I didn't want anything to do with "wine yoga" or "beer yoga". And frankly, while yoga helps a great deal for physical strength and mobility - I didn't want a fitness-oriented approach.Yoga is so much bigger than that!What I wanted - and what I still experience, and what I bring to the mat - is for people to feel joy in their practice!When we feel joy in something we do, we are sure to return it.***I am proud to say every week so far, I've had at least one student in class. I wish I had a minimum of more…

let’s get real about meditation

Mediation is beneficial; this is known and obvious through thousands of years of scientific study as well as even more compelling anecdotal and empirical evidence.We know it's good for us.It's also FREE - it costs nothing.Then why don't we do it?***The vast majority of people who find this post, will not be meditating daily, or even regularly.I am not here to shame anyone about that.I'm not even here to convince anyone that they *should* meditate.That's kind of beside the point, for me.But I want to offer a few thoughts, and share some of my experience.First: meditation is not (usually) an instant gratification activity.In other words meditation rarely gives us a high. In contrast, we get an immediate boost from a cup of coffee or an impulsive shoe purchase (two delights I experienced this week) - that kind of thing.Now - some people DO experience bliss in meditation -However, that is rather rare.And I've not met a regular practitioner who experiences bliss *EVERY time they meditate*.(and yet they keep at it!)So for me, this means we might decide to meditate - and commit to practice - knowing we likely won't receive immediate benefits.And despite the fact we engage in all kinds of "good habits" just because we know they're good for us  -(for instance very few people absolutely LOVE brushing their teeth but most of us do it regularly as the alternative is much worse) -for some reason people don't want to invest five minutes a day in something that could improve their BRAIN.(I don't know about you, but my brain needs all the help it can get!)***I want to point out that for many years, I was no exception. I crumpled up "meditation" on a list of things I "should" do, good habits I "should" employ - like saving 10% of my paycheck, or staying hydrated -and I just let those "shoulds" beat me up.Rather than doing anything about it!So here is my second point:Almost all forms of meditation are training the mind.We KNOW that brains can be trained. We train our brains every day - either on purpose or,  for the most part, fairly unconsciously through the things we choose to put into our brains.In fact we put in a LOT of brain-training time.It follows that:Any wholesome training of the mind, will result in improvements in our life.In fact, that should be obvious.In other words: we don't have to know HOW our minds and our lives will improve -we just get to TRUST that they will, and look forward to observing the change.Actually, it's a pretty cool process.***Personally, I don't think we're being lazy about any of this.If you think about how hard life can be, our behavior makes sense.For most of us our minds work well enough that we don't give them much focused attention.Our minds work pretty well or IF THEY DON'T, we've found a way to get through our day, to survive.Well I don't know about you, but I want more than survival.I've been in survival…

why I don’t say “namaste” at the end of class

"Namaste" doesn't mean what many white American yoga teachers say it means: "The Light Within Me Honors The Light Within You". It actually means something more like, "greetings to you", or even "'sup?"

seven things i love my students to do

Yoga asana class is hard.  As a student you're meant to listen to and watch the instructor, to work with the breath (pranayama), to follow the instructor's verbal and physical cues, to work on your alignment - all at the same time! So! When someone comes back to class at all - I count that as a huge victory! Therefore if you've made time for yoga this year - give yourself massive props! And if you want to go above and beyond, I've got a list of seven things I love from my students: I love it when they challenge themselves. I have definitely seen students taking half-hearted or lukewarm positioning on the mat. There are a lot of possible reasons for this. Some students lack proprioception - they honestly don't KNOW what it means to take a large step on the mat, for instance. Some students are scared to over-exert themselves. Still others don't really, REALLY want to be there. Now I would rather a student was cautious, than to push themselves too hard! But also... I mean, we signed up. We paid the fee. We got dressed. We got our butts to the studio. So let's do some WORK! When I look out at my students and see sweat, and a bit of trembling, and focused expressions - that feels awesome. I am literally WATCHING them get stronger, and watching them build  more self-confidence. It's cool beans! I delight when my students breathe deeply! A lot of students hold their breath or don't focus on their breath, because they're busy trying to follow the pace of the class. That makes sense! I sometimes lose conscious contact with my breath when I'm a student, too. But when students breathe deeply, I can usually hear them and it feels so good! It really, really helps regulate the entire class as well! There are certainly apocryphal tales of yoga students who breathe WAY too loud or ostentatiously. But honestly? In my many years of class, I haven't come across much of that. So when I hear students breathing deeply, I feel confident they are focusing - and getting a benefit. After all - breath work is PROVEN to help with stress. And I definitely want all of us to experience less stress! I appreciate it when students interrupt and/or ask questions! This statement I deliver with a caveat as there are definitely teachers and spaces and classes and scenarios interruption is NOT a good idea. But for my general group classes - which are for any level and any body! - we are experiencing a community vibe. And honestly, an interruption and a question is really for the best. Yes, it can take us out of the moment to hear a voice besides the teacher's. But almost always if ONE student has a question, the others will benefit from having the question raised. I take students' questions seriously and I always try to respond with gladness and helpfulness. If I can't…

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