Yoga, in its traditional form, is aimed at cultivating self-realization and spiritual awakening. However, the commercialization of yoga has lead to prioritizing financial gain over maintaining the integrity of its teachings. This focus on profits and marketability often make yoga less accessible to those with lower incomes. 

Sliding scale pricing is a step teachers can take to balance financial sustainability of a yoga based business and the accessibility of yogic teachings to a diverse community.

What is Sliding Scale Pricing?

Sliding scale pricing is a flexible system where the cost of a product or service varies within a specified range, and individuals can choose how much to pay based on their perceived value and their ability to afford it. This ethical business practice allows for a more compassionate approach, acknowledging that different people have different financial realities.

Creating more Access

One of the most significant advantages of sliding scale pricing in yoga is that it breaks down barriers to access. For individuals facing financial challenges, the option of paying a lower amount can be a game-changer. It alleviates the stress of financial constraints and empowers them to participate in yoga classes that might otherwise be financially out of reach.

Community Care in Action

Sliding scale pricing is an embodiment of community care. Those who have the means to pay at the higher end of the scale contribute to the accessibility of yoga services for individuals with limited financial resources. This interconnectedness fosters a greater sense of community and mutual support, as people from diverse backgrounds come together to practice yoga.

Fostering Trust and Empowerment

By giving individuals the freedom to choose their own investment, sliding scale pricing demonstrates trust in the community's honesty and integrity. It empowers people to self-assess what they can afford, creating an environment of openness and transparency. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the yoga community.

In Conclusion

As economic systems push us toward increased commercialization and commodification of yoga and wellness, it’s important that yoga teachers seek to find creative solutions to align their business more closely with the yoga principles they claim to embrace. Sliding scale pricing is a means of breaking down financial barriers, and cultivating a sense of community care and mutual support. By making yoga more accessible and empowering, sliding scale pricing brings us closer to the true spirit of yoga – unity, connection, and growth for everyone.