Depression and anxiety can be debilitating to most people– I can attest to that since I’ve been in that phase. Thanks to yoga, I was able to turn my life around and have felt even better. I have had a lot of help from people. Looking back, I wouldn’t have been where I’m at right now if not because of them. To pay it forward, I thought of how to start a yoga nonprofit studio for my community. The main purpose was to provide accessible and free rehabilitation for people, especially those that are suffering from anxiety and depression. I believe that everyone, regardless of economic stability, has the right to feel well.
How I Got into Yoga?
I was 27 when I was diagnosed with clinical depression. I have been into several therapy sessions, and I was taking meds to make sure that I get my depression “under control” or to “feel better.” I was in therapy and taking medications for six months. I was feeling better, but ones in a while, I still have those moments where I just feel extremely sad, and life seems to be meaningless.
Within my medication period, a friend from high school who was teaching yoga had invited me to join one of her classes. I was adamant at first, aside from that I wasn’t a fan of any physical exercise at that time, my condition makes all things uninteresting. But since she sounded very convincing, I ended up joining her.
Even though I wasn’t very enthusiastic on my first day, she would still invite me to come the following day. On the day of the yoga session, she would take the time to call me and remind me of the class. Just to avoid disappointing her, I came. I continued to come. Until I realized, she never had to call me anymore as I was present in each of her sessions. I was also able to notice that as I get in tune with my mind and body, I can sleep better at night, and I was becoming less sad as the day goes by.
Despite my improving condition, I was still advised to continue medication and to participate in therapy at least once a month, which I obliged. However, after a year, I decided to stop the medication and concentrate on yoga and its healing capabilities. My co-yogis have also played a very special role in my recovery. They make sure that I have someone to talk to, and they encourage me every time. To date, I have been practicing yoga for nine years. Four years ago, I was certified to teach yoga classes formally.
Why Did I Decide to Build a Nonprofit Yoga Studio
An hour of yoga session costs $15-$25, depending on where you’re getting your sessions from. Although yoga can be very therapeutic, not all people have the luxury to afford those fees. That is the reason why I decided to build the “Yoga for Rehabilitation” program.
The “Yoga for Rehabilitation” program is my way of paying homage to yoga and the people who have helped me battle my condition. For quite some time, I was looking for tips on how to start a yoga nonprofit studio online.
I also put a survey online to check the number of people who wanted to join the program once it is realized, and the response where overwhelming. I was surprised as to the number of people who have been looking for affordable rehabilitation programs, and that is closer to the community.
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Things to Consider in Starting a Nonprofit Yoga Studio
People to Work With
Yes, I started looking for the information I needed on how to start a yoga nonprofit studio but realizing it needs more people. I have to find people who will help me with all the work. Luckily, I had a few people who believe in the same advocacy as I do in my community alone, so I was able to get some helping hands.
Through friends of friends, we found engineers, architects, and lawyers that have almost provided their services for free just to realize the program as soon as possible. I have found teachers that have offered their services for free for the first three months and charge at least half their rate for conducting classes with us.
Having trustworthy people to work with encourages me more to continue the project despite the challenges we did face all along.
Location. Location. Location.
Looking at articles on how to start a yoga nonprofit studio, I realized that finding the right location to do yoga classes is as important as the yoga classes themselves.
I initially had 20 committed people that are willing to help me with the program. One of them was an owner of a small apartment complex that had offered her spare rooftop area to use for free as long as he can get to join the classes as well, which I am happy to agree to. The rooftop can accommodate at least 20 people comfortably, leaving a few spare areas for at least two bathrooms and a receiving area.
Funds
Do not get confused, even though I and my team plans on having a nonprofit yoga studio, money is still one of the important resources that need to be present. With the type of work that needs to be done, the funds that we have are not enough to pay for the type of work needed. So, we spent almost a week soliciting within the community, to some organizations who believe in the same philosophy, and talked to people who are willing to help us more with the cause. We were able to raise $30,000.
We were able to work with architects and engineers that helped us made the area a conducive space for yoga. We also worked with a lawyer that helps us with all legal work. Getting all the work done, we spent about $26,000. With a few thousand dollars to spare, we had bought equipment and furniture and fixture to complete the set-up of the studio.
When the program had finally started, we suggested that the donations would range from $3-$10, but we accept any amount. I am also glad to say that to date. Our donations come from people who participate in the classes and those that just believe in our cause. Get more tips on yoga businesses.
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Conclusion
The response we received, especially from the people in our community for the last six months, was overwhelming. Although we are still on the adjustment stage, we find a few opportunities here and there and respond to it accordingly. We always brainstorm on what we can still do to improve our services and to be as efficient and effective as far as rehabilitation is concerned. There are still a lot of things to discover, but were are doing great so far. I hope this material will help you with your queries on how to start a yoga nonprofit studio.