business, teaching, yoga

Leap: My Business Course for Yoga Teachers

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest

For several years, I’ve been thinking about how to help new yoga teachers get their teaching practices off the ground. Teachers spend a lot of time and a lot of money to get their certifications so that they can share this practice with others. Training programs don’t have a lot of time to teach yoga teachers the skills to secure teaching jobs because they need to focus most of their efforts on training teachers to properly care for their students with strong alignment, safe sequencing, and proper technique. Furthermore, it can be tough for new teachers to get the experience needed to get a studio teaching slot and it’s tough to get a studio teaching slot without the experience.

As an MBA with 14 years of business experience and an experienced yoga and meditation teacher, I can fill this gap to help get new yoga teachers started on their teaching path. I put together a training course to provide business know-how to yoga teachers.

Option 1:
A kit to craft their mission statement, find their market, write a one page business plan, and put together a course of action for their first year as teachers to reach exactly the kind of student they want to teach. Price – $25

Option 2:
Everything in option 1 plus Skype sessions to walk them through the kit as well as give new teachers advice and resources to set up their business: how to incorporate, taxes, basic accounting, expense tracking, and marketing assistance including basic website set up. Price – $200

Option 3:
Everything in options 1 and 2 plus in-person sessions with me, a regular teaching slot in the Compass Yoga teaching roster to start earning their hours toward the Yoga Alliance 500-hour certification teaching requirement, tracking of teaching hours in Yoga Alliance format, and a selection of other goodies to help jump-start a new business. Price – $500

Are you a yoga teacher who wants to get started on your teaching path? Do you know a yoga teacher who could benefit from this course? Click here for more details on the course and to purchase any of the options above.

Let’s work together to get more yoga to more people in more places!

health, meditation, wellness

Leap: The Cure Within Reach Right Now

Christa Avampato

We want to be well. Unfortunately, we’ve been told for too long that the way to wellness is often through a pill, treatment, supplement, or some other external force. Sometimes, these methods are necessary but they are corrective. They wait for us to be sick rather than keeping us well.

There’s something you can do, something we can all do, right now that can help us be as well as we can be in this moment. Power down the computer, sit comfortably somewhere – on the couch, the foot of the bed, or on the floor. Close your eyes, tune in to the sounds all around you, and then tune in to the sounds within you. That’s it. Just a few moments of time and the will to be well.

language, learning, teaching

Leap: How to Choose Your Words

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest

“The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” ~ Arabian Proverb

As a teacher I spend a lot of time thinking about language and how I communicate the material I want students to learn. The teachers whom I admire most are those who not only communicate clearly and succinctly but also eloquently and poetically. These are the lessons that stay with me long after the class is over.

So how do we know what to say? How do we figure out exactly the right words at exactly the right time? This quote that suggests using truth, kindness, and necessity as filters gives us three clear lenses through which to filter our words so that they have impact and resonance. Words are gifts we give to everyone who hears them. Words are tools; make them tools for goodness.

career, entrepreneurship, work

Leap: “Live An Empowered Life” by Guest Contributor Cameron Tyler

Christa Avampato

Cameron Tyler, a supportive reader of this blog, sent me the most eloquent guest post query I’ve ever received. His professionalism and passion for empowered living were clearly evident in every word and I’m honored to feature him for today’s post.

As the economy continues to change—and the work force with it—people are on the lookout for better ways to earn an income. For some, this means making the switch from traditional employment to self-employment. In fact, approximately  one out of every nine individuals in the U.S. workforce is self-employed. If you have dabbled with the idea of being your own boss, this is a great time to make this jump, but as with all major career moves, this one requires a little soul-searching and contemplation before taking the plunge.

Signs You Are Destined for Self-Employment
Being self-employed is quite freeing and rewarding, but not everyone is cut out for it. Are you? There are some  signs to look for that indicate you might be a good candidate.

• You need to be a self-starter with the ability to successfully manage your own schedule.

• Have a passion about what you do. This enthusiasm for your work will keep you motivated to continue, even when times are tough.

• You must be one who thrives while working in isolation. Set up a support structure, but do not expect engaging water cooler conversations, as there will be none.

Pros and Cons
Flexibility is one of the most misunderstood pros of working for yourself. While your work schedule will be flexible, it is not necessarily going to entail shorter days. In fact, most self-employed people work longer days than those who are traditionally employed; the hours are just a bit more flexible. You can work from 8 p.m. until midnight if you want, or you can get up in the wee hours of the morning to work, but you will need to be ready to work hard.

One of the most difficult things for many self-employed individuals to handle is the ebb and flow of work. Sometimes, you will have more work than you can handle. At other times, you will sit staring at the phone waiting for it to ring or continuously refreshing your email inbox. Facing this cycle requires courage and fortitude, not to mention a lot of patience.

Lost benefits can be another hurdle to overcome in your quest for self-employment. Your 401(k) is no longer going to be matched by your employer, and you will lose your company insurance plan. Instead, you will need to purchase your own  health insurance for your family and set up your own retirement savings account. This can sometimes be expensive, but you have several options you can consider.

Making the Switch
If, in the end, self-employment is the right venue for you, the key to your success will be  making the transition as smoothly as possible. Begin by researching all you can about your business idea, ensuring that it is something you love. Then, start offering your product or services to potential customers. Always go the extra mile to satisfy your customers. Set your prices high enough that you are not undervaluing what you offer and can pay your bills. Once you have a sufficient number of clients, quit that day job and start enjoying life as a self-employed individual.

By working for yourself, you open the door to endless possibilities. You can be as successful as you want to be, as you do not have a boss or coworkers holding you back. You can pursue your passion while making money at the same time. This also opens the door to working from home, which cuts overhead and allows you to spend more time with your family. By making this transition, you are no longer at the mercy of others to ensure your success. Do your research to ensure it is right for you, gather your courage, and then take the plunge into self-employment!

Cameron Tyler is a driven recent college grad pursuing a life full of empowerment. He currently blogs and serves as the admin at Cooks and Travel Books, Eat Breathe Blog, and Technected. “Making your way is not always easy, but hopefully this article will help those who are looking for a little motivation on their own life path.”

New York City, yoga

Leap: The Summer Solstice in Times Square and A Lesson in Energy

Christa Avampato
This is me meditating in the middle of Times Square to celebrate the 2012 Summer Solstice

For the fifth year in a row, I celebrated the Summer Solstice in Times Square on my yoga mat. 14,000 yogis flocked to the center of the Great White Way yesterday thanks to the event put together by the Times Square Alliance to demonstrate the possibility of mind over madness. A lot of people have asked me how on Earth I can find peace at this kind of event. To me the most profound peace is found not in a quiet corner of the world, but in the midst of life. Once we can find peace in every day living, regardless of circumstances and surroundings, then that peace will always be ours.

Last year, I took the class that Douglass Stewart, a senior teacher at ISHTA Yoga and YogaWorks, taught. It was transformative in many ways. I began taking his classes at ISHTA as a result of that Times Square class and I am now half way through my 300-hour advanced teacher training at ISHTA. Beginning this Friday, I will assist Douglass’s Tuesday evening and Friday afternoon classes. (I hope you’ll join us!)

Yesterday I also made it a point to take Douglass’s Solstice class this year and as I made my way downtown, I thought about how much has changed in this past year. I found a deep confidence to pursue a life of my own design. My yoga and meditation practice were a big part of the fuel that drove all of this change. In the last few days, I’ve felt lighter, brighter, and more alive for having made the Leap into working for myself. There is a true and palpable peace that we find once we live the lives we are meant to live. It really is true that we can be free if we want to be.

Douglass spoke extensively about energy – especially appropriate given the intense heat that Mother Nature poured down over New York City yesterday. “Energy goes where it is most needed; where it can do the most good,” he said. Heat is energy and it transforms everything it touches. It burns away what is unnecessary. It shines what is left behind in its wake. I felt that mid-afternoon heat of the solstice touch down on me, helping me to let go of everything that no longer serves me. My own energy now has a new direction and it is doing much more good in the world now that it is directed toward work I love.

It wasn’t very hard at all for me to find peace yesterday in the middle of Times Square. I just rolled out my mat and went exactly where Douglass led us – inside our own centers. The mind can do much more than block out madness; it can actually use the energy of the madness around us to evolve, and ultimately, to blossom. Happy Summer!

adventure, writing

Leap: Diving Off the Cliff is Only the Beginning

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest

Every year, I choose a theme for my posts on this blog. In January, I made the New Year’s Resolution that I would Leap into entrepreneurship full-time by December and write about that journey every day.

I left my corporate job last Friday, 6 and a half months ahead of schedule. Many people came forward to tell me that my Leap inspired them and that they want to make a Leap of their own. They asked for my advice, help, and encouragement, and I’m completely happy to offer up all 3 and then some. Leaping isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning!

To that end, I’ll be writing daily about the following topics for the remainder of the year:

  • My own journey as I start my new company, Chasing Down the Muse, and continue to grow Compass Yoga. You’ll hear the ups, the downs, the challenges, and the rewards.
  • The journeys of other people who have taken a Big Leap in their lives. Originally, I planned to post these stories under an entirely new site, The Geronimo Project. Instead, I am going to host The Geronimo Project series here.
  • Pictures, quotes, and tidbits of inspiration that I find useful and that I hope will be useful for you, too.
  • Guests posts from writers who want to share their Leap stories.

I hope you’ll join in the conversation, share your own stories, and be inspired. Let’s go – we’ve got a lot of living to do!

business, career, time, work

Leap: My First Day Working Solely for Myself

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest

Yesterday was my first day as the head of my new company, Chasing Down the Muse, where I develop new products, services, and programs for companies on the leading edge of their industries and where I teach classes to creative professionals to help them learn how to tap their imagination at will. By all accounts it was the best first day I’ve ever had at a new job.

With respects to time, my day played out like this: I woke up early, had a staff meeting with myself (Phineas was there too), planned my work for the week, gave an in-class private session to my friend, Sara, at ISHTA Yoga, saw Brian (my coach), and then came back home to get going on my weekly goals. I did all of my work on my Mac, had music on in the background, and enjoyed the sunshine as it steamed through my open windows and filled my entire apartment. I made all of my own food right before I ate it and ate it, only when I was hungry, on real plates with real silverware. I took a few walks with Phineas to clear my mind and give him his exercise. It was blissful to have control over my time.

Here’s what I didn’t do yesterday: waste a single moment in a meeting or on a phone call with no meaning, feel frustrated at executing against business decisions I didn’t agree with, nor ask permission to do what I know to be the right thing to do. I felt passionate about my work and empowered to act in every moment.

I felt free, and that is something I’m happy to get used to feeling.

adventure, business, career, community, creativity, work

Leap: My New Company – Chasing Down the Muse

Christa Avampato

I am so excited to announce the launch my new business, Chasing Down the Muse. I create products for companies on the leading edge of their industries and teach classes that help people build their own creative habit. To learn more about my services, click here.

Thank you so much for all of your support leading up to this big day. If you’re interested in this new business, here are a few ways to be involved with the company:

1.) Be an Inspired Instigator! As I craft products, services, and programs, I will be reaching out to a small group of people to get their feedback and advice prior to launch. I’d love to have you as part of the group! The time commitment is very small (mostly done in short 10-question surveys every other month), entirely optional, and fun. Plus, there will be prizes and plenty o’ recognition. Contact me if you’re interested in learning more.

2.) Keep me in mind for any projects you or your company have that match my experience and pass on the URL of Chasing Down the Muse to anyone you know who would be interested in learning more.

Thanks again for all of your energy and excitement around my leap into a freelance life. I’ll be sharing the journey with you every day right here and I hope you’ll share your journey with all of us, too!

career, time, work

Leap: Freelancing is a Remedy to the Sunday Night Blues

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest

While waiting at the elevator with my dog, Phin, on Saturday afternoon I began to run through the list of things I needed to get done before heading to the office early on Monday morning. And that’s when it hit me. I’m not going to the office on Monday morning. In my newly started freelance life, I’m working at home on Monday morning and then heading to the yoga studio to teach a private session. I realized that I wouldn’t have the Sunday night blues that I’ve often experienced over the last few months. That chapter is over.

This realization felt like a dip in a cool pool on a hot day. I let this insight wash over me and sink deep into my skin. What’s more, it motivated me to work incredibly hard at building my own business because it was such a welcome feeling to know that my time is now my own.

Viva la independence!

creativity, fear, priorities

Leap: Stop Planning and Start Doing

Christa Avampato
From Pinterest

Planning to leap, peering over the edge of the cliff into my dreams, was scary. Leaping was not.

When I walked out my corporate office yesterday and into a freelance life, I knew I was making just the right change at just the right time. All these months, I went through every fear in the book. I teased them out, one by one, and then I stacked a plan against each until the fear was manageable. I kept waiting to have no fear at all, and then realized that day isn’t coming. And it shouldn’t.

Used in the correct way, with the correct perspective, a bit of fear can be a wonderful motivator to act more and act often. Once I saw it as a tool and not a roadblock, a funny thing happened: the fear actually did subside. It reminded me of that saying, “Once I accept who I am, then I can change.” We have to get out of our own way in order to act.

There’s a lot of power in action. I’m a huge fan of planning but only to the extent that it’s used as a gateway to action, and the sooner that gateway opens the better.