A message from my teacher, Yogarupa Rod Stryker of Para Yoga

Rod sent this message on his year end newsletter. To subscribe to his newsletter, go to www.parayoga.com

Dear Friends and ParaYogis,

Some final thoughts to close out a historic and, in many ways, ground shaking year....

Everywhere I've travelled, its impossible not to notice the palpable sense of fear and uncertainty. Our global economy is in peril, many are suffering as a result, and the great majority of us are facing questions about our basic security.
Is there anything to be learned? What can the teachings provide in the way of solace and a solution?

These times and these questions are exactly what yoga is meant to prepare you for. This is exactly why you have been practicing. Taking time for stillness and awakening the kind of discriminative knowledge that allows you to navigate through times like these is precisely what practice is meant to be giving you. A lot of you know that, but it's helpful to be reminded. However, that is just the first step.

It's time to collect yourself and determine what you want your future to look like. The Gita reminds us to, "Reshape yourself through the power of will, never let yourself be degraded by self-will. The will is the only friend of the self and the will is the only enemy of the self". Swami Rama said that, "On this path you must first awaken your Samkalpa Shakti, the power of will and determination. Never say that you cannot do it... Instead, overcome your resistance, and expand your capacity. You must order your body and senses to function under the leadership of your mind".

To my dearest friends and ParaYogis, the vows and promises you hold the closest to your heart speak directly to the universe, compelling it to act on your behalf. When you choose the ones that point to a worthwhile and fulfilling future that naturally embraces the best of you, you will surely create a life worth having. If enough us were to do this, and exemplify fearlessness and centerdness, then we will collectively create a secure and more promising future.

"Cling to a certain thought with dynamic will power, it finally assumes a tangible outward form. When you are able to employ your will always for constructive purposes, you become the controller of your destiny", wrote Yogananda.

What will your future look like? It depends upon you, more accurately on the world you want and choose to commit to see. When your Samkalpa bears fruit it will bring with it feelings of contentment and joy, it will make you stronger and, by helping to make you better and more powerful, it will help to improve the world we live in. That is a yogi's job. The world needs you to be strong and committed. This is the time to prove to yourself that Yoga works (thoughts from The Four Desires to be released in 2009).

Wish you and your family the very best for the coming year. May God bless you.

With love,

Yogarupa

Is there resistence in a dharmic path?

It's better to perform one's duty imperfectly than to master the duties of another.
Bhagavad Gita

I am again back from 2 weeks traveling with my beloved teacher Rod Stryker. I was first at the Himalayan Institute, participating in the Akhanda Japa meditation and taking Para Yoga's master teachers training on the Koshas. Then I went to Miami, where I've assisted Rod in his Yoga of Fulfillment training and offered a Business of Yoga intensive.

Though tired and homesick, I came back recharged, inspired by my teacher and the teachings he embodies, and looking forward to integrating the new tools I've learned and the insights my practice has bestowed on me.

One of the things Rod presented with unequaled eloquence is that the age we are living in is one where you will find a lot of resistance to bring light to your life and to other people's lives. It will be easier to open another strip club or a gun shop than to be a yoga teacher and to open a retreat center. Resistance is not an indication you are in the wrong path.

The yogis see resistance, both internal and external as karma, and the way to overcome it to increase the energy behind your determination (your shakti) as well as the resources you have (prana in many forms). Rod offers this teaching as a formula, called The Creation Equation

F = S + P > K

Where
F = Fulfillment
S = Shakti, desire to fulfill
V = Prana, resources/processes used to fulfill your desire
K = karma, resistance

So whenever the sum of your desire and your resources is greater than your karma manifested as resistence, voilá, you have fulfillment. So resistance is always there, the key is to ensure it's not the greater of the forces.

The scriptures promise that fulfillment comes from acting in accordance to your purpose and not from any other way of measuring success, including numbers and how easy it was to get what you wanted. If that was true for Arjuna, who had to go to war in order to fulfill his duty, I am sure it applies to us as well.

Yep, that's the type of stuff we talk about in the Yogi Incubator. And then of course, we share practical tools so that you can become not only more determined, but more resourceful...

Every time I see Rod it humbles me. I realize how much I owe to him and what a blessing and joy it is to have a teacher. If you want to experience him in a non-commital way, you can listen to "Fearlessness and Joy: Yoga's Vision of Your Best Life" by Rod Stryker, a closing talk at the 2008 San Francisco Yoga Journal Conference.

On a very practical note, I have three more teleclasses for this year. I hope you can join me!

To the light and strenght that dwells in your heart,
Clara

Fire Transformation

This afternoon I've put off a fire. Literally.
This afternoon the caretaker from our ranch called us to say that there was a fire in the back of the property. We had so little experience with the theme that we wondered if we should we go, and if we were to go, what should we do? I quickly realized that I had to go, even if I couldn't "do" anything. Remembering that is subtle first, then it materializes, I was clearly I could make a difference, subtle, yet very real.
And talking about real, I wondered then how should I get dressed, it was hot, but clearly my tank tops could be too fiery for the occasion. Not to mention that I should wear something that would protect me from the heat, in case it was really bad, right?
I got to the ranch sporting my red rubber boots, a camouflage tshirt with an OM and the word love on it, jeans and cap. I was ready to anything, from chanting mantras to invoke water to putting the fire of, if anyone was kind enough to tell me how on earth would I do it.
I ended up doing both, and in case you are interested, the way you put off a fire is with a tree branch. You hit the fire hard with it, in places where the flames are low, and you beat until it respects you enough to retract.
The yogis say that fire is alive, and I can tell you that that's VERY true. And the most amazing thing is how it responds to momentum. If you let it spread, you can't possibly catch up with it. We fought for 3 hours, 7 people. There were moments were I thought I was just doing a gesture, that the fire was so overpowering that there was no way we would be able to control it. But we did. We did control it. And that felt like such a feat, a gold medal of fire-fighting.
How do we find energy to go beyond what we think our limitations are? Can you imagine me beating fire with a tree branch for 3 hours? Can you imagine my silky hands, the ones I treat with ridiculously expensive Jurlique organic rose cream, all cut and bruised by torns?
So many things went on my mind while I was madly fighting fire. I remembered my teacher talking about fire, and how we worship it in yoga, particularly in the tradition I follow. As transformation, as purification, as Divine Mother herself, she steps out of the fire. A mantra for agni kept coming to me, and I wasn't sure if that was going to help or hindered, so I pushed it away and brought on the bija mantra for the water element. I felt tired and helpless, but then I remembered of the samurai blood that runs on my veins and knew that I could do that and much more. And that how you handle these simple, yet multo-layered moments in life, define your character. I certainly wanted that definition to be a warrior.
It also brought me true appreciation for the great people we have in our lives, who we can count on. In addition to Adan, a strong and incredibly reliable guy that walks our dog and is willing to do anything we ask, and who by himself, put off a good 1/2 acre of fire, I had lots of people responding to a rushed email to send light and prayers, and I know that this makes a difference.
Now that the fire is off, in the midst of ashes and smoke, I stand trying to figure out what is the meaning of it. I will certainly leave some reflection for tomorrow, but a few things I already have clear:
1) What you don't use it, nature claims it back. We have not been to the ranch since May. This fire is a way of nature taking it back and transforming it into something else
2) What you are capable of when you are really present with what you are doing is amazing. I hope I won't need another fire to remember that.
3) Thank God for Neti-Pot and the ashes it will wash away...

It was a long day, time for bed...

Should we talk about the economy?

I was lucky to be in LA for the Global Mala Project, 2008,
photo by Martin Herrera.

Should we allow ourselves to worry about the economic situation? Can we focus on your practice and invite your students to do the same or is that "alienation with a halo on"?

Read my other post "What if Krishna was our financial advisor?" for my opnion. Though I am often in the States, I am living abroad, and somehow, I am an outsider. You tell me if that disqualifies my opinion, or if it enriches it with a fresh perspective.

I am just back from 2 weeks in the US. I went to NY where I assisted my business partner Tevis Gale in a Corporate Yoga Teacher training at the Omega Institute. The program was so great we are already booked for May 2009! Then I crossed to the other coast and did my second Business of Yoga program at the Loyola Marymount University in LA. This was also very well received and I'm in their calendar for July 2009. In the meantime, I am busy here in Uruguay, offering corporate meditation and stress-reduction programs. There's so much to do here! It's both inspiring and frustrating, depending on the day.

I look forward to an opportunity to see you (or hear from you) soon.

While my 2009 calendar is still being cooked, I have a few more events for this year, including 3 teleclasses. Do join me!

To the light and strenght that thrives in your heart,
Clara

Creating a samkalpa for your teaching business

Click here to listen to this 60 minute teleclass.

What we talk about: what is a samkalpa (resolution) and how to use this ancient yogic technique to achieve meaningful business goals using the power of resolution (samkalpa shakti).

The Business of Yoga - Level II For experienced Full Time teachers

Clara explaining that wealth is just another form of Shakti to her a very young student. Photo by Martin Herrera

“Clara is a knowledgeable and effective teacher. This course is vital for anyone in the healing arts interested in making a conscious living doing what they love. It will help launch you into the next level of your business.”
Hala Khouri, M.A., Los Angeles, CA

This program is designed for teachers who are ready to work on the business aspects of their careers. What’s beyond teaching full time and paying bills? What inspires us to grow as a teacher and how can we use business as a sacred art of fulfilling one’s vision?

Demistifying ideas such as “if you’re spiritual you can’t be a businessperson” or “really good yoga teachers don’t need marketing”, business of yoga expert Clara Hori will encourage teachers to embrace the business side of their teaching and offer superlative tools and strategies to enable their growth.

Topics include:
• Using purpose and vision to guide your business. Creating meaningful business and personal goals.
• Finding the intersection between what you love, what you do well and what the world needs.
• Creating your own definition for success (better schedule, teaching more of what you really like, taking time off, continuous learning, having more money as means to do other things, etc.)
• Understanding Marketing as what enables you to be of service and upgrading your tools:
using an email blast tool for newsletters, improving your website, networking (including social networking sites), “guerilla marketing”, word of mouth, referral system.
• Preventing burnout.

Teaching methodologies will include lecture/theory (50%), group discussion (20%), hands-on work (30%).

Founder Bio:
Clara Hori - Following a successful 10-year career at Microsoft Corporation, Clara has worked to build bridges between the corporate world and Yoga. She is the creator of the Yogi Incubator, a Business and Marketing program that helps Yoga teachers thrive doing what they love. Clara is also the Managing Director of Balance Integration Corporation.
Clara teaches The Business of Yoga at Loyola Marymount University. She cites her teacher Rod Stryker as her endless source of inspiration and guidance.
The Yogi Incubator has been featured in Yoga Journal, Yogi Time and Natural Awakenings. Clara’s articles have been published in Yogi Times Business.

Recent Testimonials:
“Clara Hori made a subject I find quite dry into something with “rasa” and made it easier for me to contemplate the union of yoga and business. Thank you!” (Arun Deva Das)

“Great concept, definitely helped to integrate the ideals of yoga with the nitty gritty of manifesting it and earning a living.” (Steve B.)

Upcoming dates:
What: 5-hour workshop on The Business of Yoga with Clara Hori
Event Location: Fort Lauderdale FL
Date: Friday, 11/07/2008, from 12:30-5:30pm
Event Organizer: Red Pearl Yoga
Event Cost: $108, $90 in advance
To Register: www.redpearlyoga.com

What if Growing your Business was your yoga practice?

What if Growing your Business was your yoga practice?
Empowering steps to transform your view of business from necessary evil to sacred art of materializing our purpose.

By Clara Hori

Ever struggled with the idea that “if you’re spiritual you can’t be a businessperson?” Or that “if you are really good at what you do, you should not need marketing?” Well, you are not alone. For many of us spiritual practices like yoga and meditation have revealed an inner source of happiness that changed the way we see money, name and fame. It’s almost inevitable to start seeing making a living and taking care of practical aspects of life as empty of real meaning. Our desires and aspirations are now binding weaknesses and we overemphasize contentment over action and change. But is that yoga? Do we really have to renounce the material in order to conquer the spiritual? As Linda Johnsen explains, “It is true that expansion of awareness is the primary goal of yoga, but as consciousness expands, so does our ability to deal effectively with the concerns of everyday life, and a host of subsidiary forms of yoga have evolved over the centuries to help us live healthfully and happily right here in the mundane world.”

Over the last years I’ve helped empower hundreds of talented yoga teachers and healers to make a comfortable living doing what they love. The steps are quite simple, which is not the same to say they are easy:

1) Embrace growth. “Aspiration is the wings of human kind”, says Rumi.
Start by observing your own thoughts regarding growth. Are you clear on why you want the things you want and how will that help you become a greater force of good in the world? How can growing further serve your dharma (purpose)?
It’s worth spending a good amount of time here, as once we confirm our life is a balance between contentment and aspiration we allow very exciting possibilities to unfold.

2) See business as part of your practice.
As Gandhi said, spiritual law works “expresses itself only through the ordinary activities of life.” Let your business express your spirituality. If that idea makes you shut down, ask yourself why.
On the mat, we practice not being a slave to preferences and maintaining our equanimity through our favorite and least favorite poses. Sometimes with tears, we realize the least favorite “anything” (pose, task, person, day) can teach us what we’ve been avoiding. What would happen if you applied that to business and work? What if you approached doing your tax return with reverence? What if cold calling was a sacred ritual of facing the unknown and being grounded in what is unchanging?

3) Redefine marketing/business
Unload negative impressions associated to marketing/business. They are just impressions. Everything is empty from it’s own side and appears according to how you see it, says the Yoga Sutras (Chapter IV, 15). Promoting oneself is your duty – if you have something great to offer, something that will improve people’s lives, how can you keep it a secret? It does not have to feel like selling yourself and manipulating others. Find a way to do it that is authentic, joyful and true to your Self. Challenging? Of course! And yet, very worth it!
This is also a good opportunity to process self-confidence issues. Yes, we hate to admit it, but for all of us, at some level, the fear of failure keeps us from trying.

4) Execute impeccably, authentically and assertively
After these three steps of inner work, it’s time to act. Create a list of everything you need to do for your business to thrive: website, press releases, referrals, newsletter, you name it. If you don’t know, look for help, by books, take classes.
Plan and have goals, learn to love it, it will serve you. Yoga is the union of two opposite things, it’s AND and not OR. Practice having goals AND being in the moment AND flowing.
Initiate every action from your sense of purpose, from your desire to serve. Create rituals to avoid it becoming mechanical – use yogic tools like mantras and pranayama, but most importantly, stay present to your own discomfort.

Lastly, right now, notice if you are getting yourself off the hook, “it’s interesting but not for me” or “I don’t have time.” How would you feel if you could experience business, work and making a living as an authentic expression of who you are and how you serve the world? If that inspires you to take action, I will see you down the path.

What if Krishna was our financial advisor?

"Why this timidy, Arjuna, at a time of crisis? It is unworthy of a noble mind; it is shameful and does not lead to heaven. This cowardice is beneath you, Arjuna; do not give in to it. Shake off your weakness. Stand up like a man."

dialog between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita

Yoga is a balance of action and introspection, of practice and surrender. It promises a life of freedom, where through practice we find ways of acknowledging what's going without being sucked into a downward spiral of bad news. The realization that we can be responsible by being present brings us back from a sojourn into worrying land. "Only the very wise and the very fool do not worry about things". Considering ourselves very wise is usually a sign we are not; yet, if we have to choose a direction, isn't there where we are leading?

I encourage you to find ways of remembering that this is precisely what our practice has prepared us for: being a force of peace and goodness in the midst of chaos. Like Arjuna, we must fight! And that means being an unshakable source of joy and peace. If not you, then who? We need to counterbalance the negativity we receive from the media by practicing random acts of kindness, gratitude and whatever makes us happy. Sing, dance, get on the mat, make love, laugh, play with kids...

And yes, this IS business advice! Can you agree your students will be looking for something or someone who can reflect beauty for them? We are all receiving enough gloominess from other sources.

There's not much more you can do about the current situation. If all stress is either something that requires action, clarity or a change in attitude, what would you say this is? Even if you work at the FED or as a Bloomberg analyst, chances are it's the change of attitude that will lighten your heart.

Worth mentioning: look for the subtle distinction between being joyful and yet aware of what's going on, and being joyful at the expense of ignoring what's going on. Though it's "just" another manifestation of maya/cosmic illusion, overemphasizing that can feel really dishonoring to someone who has just lost a house or a job.

Last but not least: raise your hand if you have you ever criticized how materialistic and consumption obsessed our society is. Now raise your hand if you can see Kali, the benevolent destroyer behind this recession (or however you want to call it)? Throughout human history, that's how space for change is created. Let's go dig gold inside folks!

To the infinite source of prosperity within you!

Future Events - 2008

On Going Free Teleclasses - August to October
~ Aug 27th, 2008 - Marketing 101: 3 things that can benefit any teacher intending to grow.

~ Sept 26th, 2008 - Using a Samkalpa (Resolution) to invigorate your teaching business.

~ Oct 08 - Language Matters: how to describe what you do without feeling like you are selling yourself.

From:11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Time (12:00 PM Mountain Time, 1:00 PM Central time, and 2:00 PM Eastern time). To check other time zones please visit www.timeanddate.com
Free Registration

September 14-19: Corporate Yoga Training at Omega, Rhinneback, NY

This 5-day immersion in Corporate Yoga is designed for those who want to teach at corporations. It explores the challenges of authentic teaching while considering language, legal aspects, and spirituality that are appropriate to corporate culture.

• The yoga/work connection
• Legalities and liabilities
• Communicating and applying yoga philosophy and tools on and off the mat
• How the workplace needs an adaptive process to WORK where people WORK

The course will be taught by Tevis Gale, Balance Integration's founder and my business partner. I will be assisting her. Tevis is a yoga teacher, former corporate executive who has grown Balance Integration from a kitchen venture to an global company that serves clients like Google, AOL, Yahoo, MTV, American Express and Disney, and has trained 360 teachers.

Omega Corporate Yoga Training Details


September 27: Business of Yoga Workshop at LMU, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
the 5-hour intensive version of the Yogi Incubator, especially designed for new teachers and part time teachers wanting to go into full time. This program will discuss the nitty gritty of the business of teaching Yoga. We will cover different ways to get started, tools and techniques to support growth, how to avoid burnout and how to reconcile marketing and business with yoga. Practical information on how to get a website, start a newsletter and generate word of mouth will be provided, as well as basic tips for personal finances, taxes and liability insurance.

When: September 27th, 2008
Saturday, 10:00am to 3:30pm
Costs: $190 for the entire weekend
Includes Sunday 5-hour module on Teaching Methodology, taught by Ramaswami. Registration for the Business of Yoga only is available upon request (e - mail yoga@lmu.edu or call Amparo at (310) 338-2358)

Program Details
Registration

November 08-12: The Yoga of Fulfillment with Rod Stryker, Miami, Florida
The Yoga of Fulfillment is the seed of the Yogi Incubator. I am incredibly proud to be assisting my teacher Rod Stryker in this 5-day workshop.

The Yoga of Fulfillment is a deep and practical approach to help you truly embody the highest principles of Yoga: find meaning and purpose in your life and shape it from the wisdom and calling of your highest self. Combining the enlightened wisdom of Yoga, Tantra, ancient methods of self-inquiry and self-actualization, the Yoga of Fulfillment guides you toward recognizing your soul's calling to greatness and empowering you to fulfill it.

Where: Prana Yoga Miami, Coral Gables, FL
More info and registration

Tantra & the business of yoga

Morning Light in Park Roosevelt, Uruguay, photo by Martin Herrera

"Worldly success is not an obstacle to spiritual growth; on the contrary it is the ground for spiritual success, because those who are without worldly means and resources have little time and energy for spiritual endeavors"
Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Tantra Unveiled

It finally happened. I reached a point where I forgot why I loved the Yogi Incubator. For the last two months, with permission from my "inner boss", I haven't even tried to write a newsletter or update the website. I only responded to inquiries and put on hold all my efforts to seed and continue developing my business. And I redirected my energy to establishing roots here in Uruguay, beautifying our new home and starting a corporate mindfullness consulting company here.

Was it worth it? Absolutely yes! Though I could have forced myself to keep going, what's the point of getting things done if you are not engaged? Why would I want to share anything that is not soaked in love and enthusiasm?

I have recently returned from a trip to the US East Coast. I went to New York to work with my business partner and to Pennsylvania to take part on the Himalayan Institute year-long Akhanda Japa meditation. I came back with my business, action-oriented side, fully recharged, my suitcase full from too much shopping and my soul soothed in ways that I can't find language to describe.

And slowly but surely, it came to me why I love this job: because the Yogi Incubator is not only my business, it is who I am. Steeped on a tantric world view, in which material success is not only compatible with your spiritual quest but an integral part of it, I offer tools and techniques to help yoga teachers thrive while making this world a better place. It's the best possible use for all I learned while traveling 1 million miles and working long hours for one of the most successful enterprises in the history of mankind (though I am a Mac user today, I cannot deny Microsoft's contribution to the massification of technology).

To celebrate I invite you to join me in one of my future events. In addition to the teleclasses, I will be in the US teaching or assisting in 3 different opportunities. I would love to see you.

It's good to be back.
To your thriving,
Clara

Is teaching yoga a business?

Villa Serrana's sunrise, Uruguay, photo by Martin Herrera

"Happiness is not the ultimate goal. Living life with purpose is the ultimate goal."
Rod Stryker

I recently met a yoga teacher who was quite shocked when I told her that I helped yoga teachers with business and marketing skills. "Why would teachers need that? Teaching yoga is not a business."

Most people become yoga teachers because they feel drawn to it, because they feel it's their purpose. It's almost as if you can't help it. So calling it a business doesn't really feel appropriate. Yet, if that's how you are going to make a living, how should you call it?

And is business a bad word? Is it contradictory to passion, meaning and service? There are different ways of doing business, as there are different ways of doing anything. I believe in empowering yogis with business and marketing skills so that they can step up and embody A BETTER way of doing things.

If you are reading this blog, I imagine you are already open to this idea. So take advantage of the resources we offer, our teleclasses, trainings and articles, and let's move out into the world and make it happen.

To your thriving,
Clara

Free Teleclasses - they are back

June Teleclass: Marketing Fundamentals - the 4 Ps.
When: Friday, June 27th Time: 12:00 Noon Pacific Time (1:00 PM Mountain Time, 2:00 PM Central time, and 3:00 PM Eastern time). Click here to convert to other time zones (yes, we love global participation).
Click Here to Register - it's free

After a frustrated attempt to lead a teleclass last May, let us try again. I am dusting off my virtual tele-meeting room and will be ready to lead you all in an exploration of Marketing Fundamentals - the 4 Ps.

Any idea of what the 4 Ps are?

a) Pizza, Panini, Pasta and Provolone
b) Puppies, Pigs, Panthers and Primates
c) Parsvokanasana, Prasaritta Padotanasana, Purvotanasana, Paschimottanasa (please never mind the spelling)
d) Product, Place, Price and Promotion

I know most of use experience marketing as a nasty, inconvenient and annoying form of soliciting. But it does not have to be like this. Understand how marketing can be a process of creating and sharing value that you may, why not, even enjoy engaging with!

Defining an offering that leverages your strengths and serves people's needs is 2/3 of the way to success. While many people get to it intuitively, there's a simple process that can help everyone, from yoga teachers to dentists.

These classes are open to all past, current and future participants, these calls cover a different topic every month. Whether you want a refreshment or a sample, be sure to check it out. These classes may be recorded and used in future trainings/offerings.

Welcoming Fall in the Southern Hemisphere

Fall in Villa Serrana, Uruguay, Photo by Martin Herrera

"The secret to happiness is very simple: find out what you are supposed to do and then learn how to love it". Swami Rama.

South American Greetings to All!
As most of you are experiencing nature blooming in fullness, we have the opposite season here in Uruguay. I am again getting ready to hibernate and conserve vital energy.

It's great to be reconnecting after a 3-months hiatus. I missed writing this post and planting seeds of growth in the yoga teachers community. On the other hand, there was too much going on in my life and I decided to honor that. Recognizing my work as an extension of who I am is a fundamental value that makes my business a conscious and meaningful endeavor for me.

Is it ok if this is not a very business oriented post? Is it ok if I don't give a magical and secret marketing tip? Can I just share where this big wave of change has led me since my last post? Great, because I am doing just that!

As most of you know, in March I moved to Uruguay. I haven't exactly dreamed about it all my life, in fact, I had huge resistance to the idea. Being a Brazilian entrepreneur, I never thought I would adjust to the sober and sometimes backward looking Uruguayan culture. But when I realized it could offer me a more serene lifestyle, a strong support network (my partner's family) and lots of people and companies eager to hear what I had to offer, I decided I was going to learn how to love it. So here I am - reinventing my life, aligning my will with Universal will and claiming a space that I know has been reserved for me.

And how has it been? Well, very full! Full of moments when I forgot why did I think it was a good idea to come here. Full of moments when I just wish I could go to Whole Foods. And moments in which everything fell into perfect order.

I am tempted to tell you the details of all the repairs we had to do in the house to be able to inhabit it, or about how we need to coordinate calendars so that our recently bitten dog does not stay by himself. But I will skip so that I can share my most precious AHA.

Whatever we have embodied through practice transcends any language, culture and context. It radiates in silence and everyone around you will feel it and be drawn to it, without even knowing why. That's how we grow as teachers, healers and service people. Yes, marketing helps, it amplifies your message and allows you to project yourself in full size. But it's really your ability to access creativity, courage and peace that draws people to you.

I was reminded of this powerful truth when I was able to close two very meaningful local projects, with high profile companies, in less than 2 months. I don't have a very vast or relevant network here nor a crisp strategy, but I do know what I am passionate about, how to share my talents in unique ways and where I can make a difference. For those of you who took the Yogi Incubator, you may remember we talked about how to balance these 3 aspects using a pyramid.

It was that clarity (with some help from good marketing and sales skills) that got me in front of clients who were deeply interested in something that I know too well: how to help corporations and their employees become better in what they do by finding their own source of balance and renewal. You can learn more about this work I do in addition to the Yogi Incubator by visiting Balance Integration's website.

So that's it, there's a lot more to share, but life is short so let's go enjoy it. I am myself getting ready for a holiday, May 1st is Labor Day here and everything is closed, so you can't even be tempted to go shopping!

I hope you can join me in the wires for our May tele-class.

Warmly,
Clara

Creating Meaningful Goals - Teleclass Recording Available

Happy New Year!
We are still setting up a good infrastructure for podcasts and teleclasses recording and in the meantime, feel free to listen to our first, semi-improvised offering.

Click here to listen this one hour class on Creating Meaningful Goals.

Do let us know what you think! We welcome your feedback at info@yogiincubator.com