As I mentioned in my last article, it is time for a refresher of the yoga industry. It has become filled with emotional abuse, gaslighting and greedy owners. Not all yoga studio owners are only out for money but all that I have worked for are.

There needs to be more transparency, integrity and genuine respect for others. The phrase ‘namaste’ is one that honors another as we do ourselves. Many say this word without understanding or thinking about what they say when these words escape their mouths.

I won’t act better than because I have been guilty of this, too. Not remembering that my fellow yogi or human deserves respect and genuine kindness above all. It’s not always capable to be done with everyone. However, it is worth a try.

I still have faith in the yoga industry and maybe I will open my own studio one day. However, I am not pleased with what I have seen in the industry for almost a decade of being in it.

The industry needs a return to simplicity, authenticity and respect. Ultimately, in the words of Marianna Williamson, ‘a return to love’.

Here are 9 ways that we can bring integrity back into the yoga community:

1. Raise the standard of Teacher-Trainings so that they are not purely about making money for the studios but actually educating prospect teachers.

2. Having a standard for teachers not just those who look a certain way but who actually practice themselves, too.

3. Not tricking people into buying memberships and a faux community. But, having yoga be the magnet for students.

4. Raising the standards for teachers so that students feel safe where they practice and avoid injuries.

5. Paying teachers well so that they can dedicate their time to teaching only and respect what they do more.

6. Weed out the narcissists in teachers by taking note of teachers who genuinely care about yoga and their students.

7. Having more teachers as owners. Not former professionals who see it as a place to make money only. This is where the greed comes in.

8. Separating yoga from the fitness industry. Yoga is more than physical, it is not only about what it looks like.

9. Taking out words like Yoga Sculpt, Yoga Barre. There is no such thing as a yoga practice with weights. Yoga is meant to be minimal and simple.