Entrepreneurship always scared the shit out of me. The thought of not having a guaranteed paycheck every other Friday can be a real doozy. I always worked jobs that were driven by commission for my entire life, except for 6 months when I worked at Whole Foods behind the prepared foods counter “for fun” (it was super not fun btw). So I was kinda-sorta always betting on myself to perform at a high level to make the most money, gain admiration, and put trophies on my desk. After doing this for years and years I realized that it wasn’t the money that was fulfilling (although it was nice to have), but it was the chase that was fulfilling. It was the HOW MUCH could I attain that was rewarding. After I found yoga (or yoga found me) my perspective on all this changed. While I enjoyed the chase, the hustle, and the grind I wasn’t being fulfilled anymore. Walking into yoga studios almost daily and connecting with myself and like minded friends was WAYYYY more fulfilling. Seeing yoga teachers serve the community left me feeling warm and fuzzy and I was just a student. I knew I wanted to join the tribe, this was how I wanted to change the world. The problem I was struggling with was how can I get involved with the yoga community, become a yoga teacher and be able to support myself and a family. If you are a yoga teacher you already know, the struggle is real, trying to make it out there day to day sometimes. As I started to make the transition from part time yoga teacher and full time desk worker (debt collector, yawn) to full time yoga teacher and life long dreamer I realized a few key things that were super helpful in making the shift. For starters I knew that my life’s purpose was to live a life of service. I have always enjoyed uplifting others and lending an ear to someone my whole life. I am the oldest of the 3 children so leading by example and helping fuel the growth of others has always been instilled in me. I didn’t know the life of service would be through yoga, but once it clicked, it clicked, and there was no un-knowing it.
I knew I had to make the leap go all in on myself and just know that if I was on my path the universe would conspire to help me. I was not going to fail. I was determined to figure out a way to help others and support myself at the same damn time! Low and behold slowly but surely it started happening. I started teaching more classes, creating events, hosting workshops and retreats, connecting with an online community, and expressing myself in ways that I had never imagined.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve others now in so many ways. Through making memes on Instagram as @yogimemes, to hosting international yoga retreats, to leading classes locally in the community, and hosting unique yoga experiences and events, is how I am continuing. Once your intention is pure and you get clear, you are capable of anything. If you are a new yoga teacher and not sure where to start, or how to get a class at your local studio, or how you’ll be able to hopefully quit your 9-5 one day, just remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. Ask some of the teachers you admire most and want to learn from to share a little about their journey and advice on who and where to connect. If you want to ask for some tips, shoot me an email and I’d be happy to help, it's part of my karma yoga. I didn’t get to where I am today by myself, I have had many mentors and teachers help me along the way. It has taken me nearly 7 years to get to where I am in the yoga community, and I feel like I’m just scratching the surface. If you are clear on what you want, know your purpose, and have the vision don’t be scared to go all in. Bet on yourself, because you are not going to let yourself down. Only you can be you, and the world needs you.
Love,
Pedro
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