How to succeed as a yoga and wellness center in our challenging economic times Molly Lannon Kenny The Samarya Center Seattle, Washington

 Samarya means community  Started in 2001  $6000 start up donation  Two teachers: licensed speech-language pathologist and licensed clinical social worker  Began as a wellness center and an Ashtanga yoga studio  Granted 501 (c) 3 status in 2003

Yoga is a state of knowing peace through connection to self, others and the universe. The Samarya Center is a community that fosters individual growth as a means to global transformation. Because the state of yoga is the birth right of every individual, The Samarya Center's mission is to provide access to the practice and teachings of yoga to all people, regardless of perceived barriers.

“Instant Karma’s gonna get you Gonna knock you off your feet Better recognize your brothers Everyone you meet Why in the world are we here Surely not to live in pain and fear…” ~John Lennon

 The Yoga perspective: Karma as action  The Buddhist perspective: subtle impressions  Giving up the fruits of your actions  The “long view”  Ishvara Pranidhana

 It might be scary!  Lower prices mean more access  More access means more people  More people means more access

 The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your Business and Your Life ~Geshe Michael Roche  Monthly study group and abundance meditation

 It’s not going to work  When I ask, the answer will be no  I’m not going to be able to pay my rent  Giving away my services diminishes my value

 There’s always enough  Time is on my side  I’m paid in all kinds of ways  It’s going to work  I am supported by the Universe  Aparigraha  The answer will be YES!

 Recognition  Joy  Time  Experience  Referral sources  Networks  In-kind donations

Yoga is a state of knowing peace through connection to self, others and the universe. The Samarya Center is a community that fosters individual growth as a means to global transformation. Because the state of yoga is the birth right of every individual, The Samarya Center's mission is to provide access to the practice and teachings of yoga to all people, regardless of perceived barriers.

 Cultural  Physical  Financial  Gender  Sexual orientation  Location/access  Emotional  Social  Exposure

 Transexual/Transgendered/genderqueer  Ethnic minorities  People with chronic conditions  Returning vets  AIDS/HIV  People with larger bodies  Everywhere we see a need!

 Diversity scholarship  Direct marketing campaigns  Web site language and photos  Photos and language in all printed material  Creating and maintaining a strong internal culture This all means more money!

 Clear vision  Start small, grow intelligently, be patient  Trust  Foster community!  Generate enthusiasm and belief in the vision within your community  Utilize volunteers  Membership incentives  Obama style fundraising

 Ask for what you want  Lower prices (ours are $8!)  Offer free classes  Consider sliding scales  Re-evaluate why you would turn someone away  Be flexible  Volunteer  “Robin Hood”

 You can make more money by charging less.  You can affect more lives by charging less  You can live your yoga and make your living by charging less

“ Why in the world are we here ? Surely not to live in pain and fear…”

“And we all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun. On and on and on and on.” ~ John Lennon