www.huffingtonpost.com/stewart-j-lawrence/anusara-yoga-scandal_b_1272471.html
Okay, here we go again. What does this scandal have to do with practicing yoga? Everything and nothing. What this really has to do with is abuse of power. I have always believed that my job as a teacher is to empower others with knowledge not to tell them how and what to feel. Many people are looking for someone to tell them what to do and unfortunately that makes them vulnerable to people who are willing and able to take advantage of them.
The yoga industry is no different than the fitness industry, or the coffee industry, or the clothing industry. There are always going to be people who are unethical and others who hold high standards. It is up to the consumer of these “products” to think for themselves, make educated decisions and be responsible for them. I am more than happy to talk about my idea of ethical business practices but I am even happier to show that I actually do what I say. It is easy for yoga people to talk the talk but really, at the end of the day, integrity is key. Integrating moral and ethical beliefs with action is absolutely necessary. Yoga does not make me a moral or ethical person, but for me, teaching yoga is an extension of what I believe.
I am deeply grateful to be surrounded with so many thoughtful, ethical, and interesting people who make me think and challenge me to be better. In a strange sort of way, these “scandals” only make me feel more committed to holding myself to higher standards and to strive for more in my business and my relationships. Peace, Mimi
