“You don't have to know it all from the beginning. And I think a really important ingredient is being eager and open to learn and evolve. And when you do know something better, you do something better, and you just trust that those shifts are sending your community in the right direction.” - Ruby Chandler

In the latest episode of "Master Your Yoga Teaching", host MaKenzie Fly sits down with Ruby Chandler, an entrepreneur and yoga instructor whose journey through music education and business ownership has deeply impacted her approach to yoga teaching.

This blog post explores the insights and experiences shared by Ruby, revealing the interconnectedness of different creative pursuits and the art of teaching yoga.

Transitioning Passions: Music to Yoga

Ruby's evolution from a music student to a celebrated yoga teacher underscores the importance of following one’s intuition. Faced with burnout in one creative discipline, she found solace and rejuvenation in another—yoga. It’s a powerful reminder to remain open to new opportunities and to be willing to pivot when one’s well-being is at stake. Ruby's potential future merging of music and yoga promises a rich, holistic experience for her students.

Embracing Opportunity: The Path to Studio Ownership

At the astonishingly young age of 24, Ruby opened her yoga studio, not out of a pre-existing dream but through the recognition of an opportunity. She reminds us that passion can guide us to our life's work, even when it takes a form we never anticipated. The challenges she encountered – from curating the perfect space to assembling the right team – are lessons in resilience and faith in the vision one wishes to bring to life.

Developing a Sustainable Yoga Business

Taking a break and creating space before embarking on something new is a golden nugget of wisdom from Ruby. She candidly shares her initial unpreparedness for the responsibility and desires and wishes for more guidance. The path to opening a yoga studio is multidimensional, requiring resources beyond the mat. Ruby was fortunate to have real estate connections and secured a personal loan, highlighting the importance of a financial safety net.

Cultivating Studio Culture and Community

Community lies at the heart of Ruby's studio culture, her focus on inclusiveness, teacher development, and language use, fostering a nurturing environment. These intentional choices have led to a model of equity and sustainability within her studio. However, the journey has not been without its hiccups, including moments of betrayal which taught her about the importance of setting clear boundaries from day one.

Educating Educators: The Love of Teaching Teachers

Ruby's love for teacher training blossomed from co-facilitating with colleagues, uncovering a passion for the energy and environment of yoga instruction. Despite the constraints of a pandemic, she adapted her trainings to hybrid models, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to her craft. Serving as a lead instructor at Core Power Yoga has allowed her to tap into the joy of teaching and mentorship while she contemplates her future ventures.

Self-Study and Personal Growth

The Duality Project, co-founded by Ruby, offers "The My Self Study Practice" — a framework that assists individuals in aligning their current selves with their aspirational beings. This self-reflective practice has enabled Ruby to cultivate a sustainable, trusting relationship with herself, moving away from a mindset of fixing to one of acceptance. Her success hinges on continuous self-development and the sharing of this concept through her workbook and social media accounts.

Inspiration for Aspiring Yoga Teachers

Ruby Chandler’s dialog with MaKenzie Fly reveals a tapestry of experience, advice, and heartfelt wisdom that can inspire yoga teachers at any stage of their career. Her story is a testament to the multifaceted nature of teaching yoga—it's more than just leading classes; it’s about connecting with others, creating supportive environments, and continuously learning and evolving on a personal and professional level. If you're feeling the pull towards yoga teaching or any new venture, consider Ruby’s journey a beacon, guiding you to trust in the timing and embrace each step with courage and authenticity.

Remember, as MaKenzie points out, every decision and effort made by successful individuals like Ruby Chandler has intention and purpose behind it, which is crucial for anyone aspiring to master their yoga teaching journey.

Watch the full episode on YouTube

Links mentioned in episode:

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Connect with MaKenzie

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Pose Bible

OTHER RESOURCES FOR YOU FROM MAKENZIE:

⏬  Download my free e-book 8 Steps to Master your Yoga Teaching to start standing out above the crowd.

💵Purchase the Pose Bible for $13 to design dynamic sequences in half the tie without the stress, overwhelm, or second guessing. 

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED BY THE GUEST:

My Self Study Practice Guided workbook and Journal

From Confusion to Clarity Course

@myselfstudyparctice

@life.with.ruby 

thedualityproject.com 

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