Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Meeks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

Yoga is a business that includes metaphysics, philosophy, breath work, mindfulness, meditation, and of course exercise and or stretching. All of these things encompass yoga and when it comes to corporate America, physical exercise and stretching becomes a central focus and component of not just corporate yoga but how yoga is practiced in the West. Historically, yoga is an Eastern science of life and living. The philosophy and principles of Buddhism are embedded throughout the practice of yoga. Some of the principles that yoga encompasses go directly against Western corporate culture and capitalism. Principles within yoga that surround philosophy and or Buddhist dharma are often left out of corporate run classes and usually are mainly focused on the physical component of yoga. Many corporate classes that I have attended have been exceptional exercise classes but left me unfulfilled when it came to the metaphysical component. In comparison I have also been to classes where there was a balance between yoga dharma (philosophy), breath work (meditation), and physical exercise (asana) and these classes stayed with me sometimes forever and ultimately impacted my life. When we leave out the components like the philosophy of yoga and or breath work we are not showcasing the full range of yoga and how it can help us in all areas of our life; and not just in a physical component. When a yoga class addresses the components of philosophy and dharma students can relate and apply yoga to all areas of life to be fulfilled mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been practicing yoga for 16 years and have been teaching for 4 years. I was led to yoga because of life changes and adapting to adulthood. I was first introduced to the philosophical component of yoga and later was introduced to various hatha sequences and vinyasa flows. I believe in cultivating metaphysical and philosophical practices within yoga. As well as, mindfulness. I incorporate modifications throughout my teachings and believe in cultivating a healthy and safe space to practice yoga that is welcome to all practitioners of yoga. I teach a mindfulness based yoga class that incorporates Hatha Yoga poses with helpful modifications for any fitness level and focuses on how to avoid injury within my yoga practices and teachings. Love and Wisdom yoga is unique because it works to provide yoga accessibility and affordability to all communities. I am proud to have a brand that works with beginners and novices to provide a safe and welcoming experience.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One book that has helped me significantly in managing my yoga business and helping to foster the way I would like my business to go in the future is A Queer Dharma by Jacoby Ballard. I first heard about the book from a podcast entitled “The Yoga teachings are inherently political with Jacoby Ballard” on The Mentor Sessions with Francesca Cervero. In this episode I was also introduced to the business model of a yoga co-op. In their book Jacoby talks about managing and being part of a yoga co-op. They also introduce ideas dealing with the spiritual practice of yoga and capitalism. Also, Jacoby Ballard makes comparisons between how much teacher training cost and the average income that yoga teachers receive once they are certified and how this directly impacts the people who are able to afford teacher training. Another issue that Jocoby touches on is the cultural appropriation of yoga in the West.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

An effective strategy in growing my clientele is to accept opportunities throughout greater Atlanta. The best way to gain new clients is word of mouth and wonderful customer service. I provide a service that is timely and will always provide a level of service to my customers that is consistent. Also as a teacher I continue to learn and take classes and evolve as a student so that I can be a source of information for my clients and students. I work at being inclusive within the yoga community and teach to instill a level of confidence within my students so that they feel confident within themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.loveandwisdomyoga.com
• Instagram: @loveandwisdomyoga
• Facebook: Love and Wisdom Yoga LLC
• Twitter: @1loveandwisdom

Image Credits
Photographer: Artemus Jenkins Goat Yoga: associated with Blue Lotus Yoga