Get Paid For What You Love
Holistics classes started this week and I’m happy with how things went. Holistics is the fusion of aikido exercises, somatics, NVC, cooperative games and psychology that I’ve put together. Web site. It’s really quite different from anything in the UK so I generally describe it as, “A bit like yoga but with more movement, more interaction and with an emphasis on skills which you can use in your life.” Not a great description in some ways but it gives Brightonians the idea.
Despite hand delivering 10,000 flyers, I was a little apprehensive that I wouldn’t have any students, so I’m glad some people turned up this week. I still need more people to make the rent next month but I’m happy there’s a good basis to build on now. More importantly people are reallying enjoying it and learning something of value. Particularly complimentary were the people with experience in other arts (eg a yoga and an aikido teacher) who took a class and gave positive feedback.
From my own point of view, teaching is deeply satisfying and my calling in life. Not surprising really considering both my parents were teachers and I’ve been teaching one thing or another since I was a child. So I don’t get a big head and to keep learning I am taking classes in Feldenkrais, Contact Improvisation, Ba Gua and even Tango in the near future, so I’ll be a busy boy.
Without wanting to be too Academy Awards I would like to thank some folks for helping me turn the dream (it quite literally was) into a reality:
My family (6 of them have had lessons) and friends for love and support
All my teachers (see lineage and bottom of blog)
Richard Strozzi Heckler, Don Levine and Paul Linden for their mentorship.
Tom Hume, Dave Rubens, Maki Pirie, Dawn Bentley, Clare Myatt and Quentin Cooke for business advice
Lance Giroux for inspiring me with his own venture and sitting me in front of Jospeh Campbell videos.
Boz the web designer, sarah the designer and the others who have done free or cut-price work for me.
Airenjuku Brighton and my friends here for their support
Cheers folks for helping me get paid for what I love.