Well over the years, yoga has become increasingly popular outside of its home, the Indian subcontinent. As this shift has occurred, so too has the commercialization and commodification of yoga. Yoga has grown into a multi million dollar "industry" and as this has happened, it has morphed from a healing and spiritual practice, to a business for making money. We currently live in a capitalistic society, and in order to survive, we all (to some extent) are a part of this system. Capitalism has always valued the dollar over nature, humans, animals, or life itself, and yoga and its practices couldn't be less capitalistic in nature. Capitalism has ravaged the world, exploited its people, minerals, forests and animals, and it cannot be a model that is allowed to last forever. And to help us move beyond this violent system of oppression, we have to start experimenting with something new.
Now the reality is that the years, time and money that professionals invest in their skills and education is quite great, and charging for our 'services' is expected. However, I can no longer reconcile keeping capitalism in bed with my yoga offerings. So for several years I have been working to figure out a way to honor my time, credentials, and ongoing education while not restricting access of our Lahui. Therefore, all offerings from BIYT are offered by donation. You will never be turned away for an inability to pay, and we hope this can set a trend and put pressure on other 'businesses' that sell spiritual or healing practices. This will not happen overnight, but we can help to be the change we wish to see in accessibility for ALL in our communities.
Sliding Scales are a mere suggestion of what would be equitable. Equity is not the same as equality, so having a one-size-fits-all price is not equitable.
When those who have certain privileges take on greater burdens, and lighten this for others, it makes offerings like this one functional. So far, this model has been truly sustainable, and I want to thank you all for making it possible.
Each of us are affected by our relationships, our food choices, our trauma, and our state of mind. Katy Benjamin E-RYT 200, RYT 500 aims to provide methods for students to begin to heal themselves. Read more here about what Katy has to offer you and your loved ones.
Katy Benjamin E-RYT 200, RYT 500, C-IAYT 1000
Certified Yoga Therapist