I expect resistance to ideas like these. (Although, I have found having expectation is a good way to be wrong much of the time.) Unless one chooses to separate themselves from worldly affairs, we are all subjected to relentless conditioning. Through TV, movies, social interaction, or just walking down the street, we are barraged with messages such as selfless acts are suspicious, spiritual practices are definitely not to be trusted and should be mocked, material things give esteem and status, individualism is king, and that the more something cost, the better it is. All designed to create an “us vs. them” mentality so you better buy, buy, buy to clearly delineate who is who.

These kinds of messages are wonderful for commerce and the economy but create poverty of spirit. Unless one is aware of all this noise and chooses to reject it, it sinks in. Even in SF. I assume the reason people are slow to warm up to donation classes is because they believe that they will be of inferior quality. I’m not too gloomy about the state of our culture though. I clearly feel a big shift in the collective conciseness towards anti-consumerism. I think ideas like donation yoga are happening all over the board.

I think that promoting something as “underground” or “revolutionary” may be one way to break through the resistance. I must be on guard though. I want to assure that my message is completely sincere and that I’m not just creating buzz to get people through the door.

All in all, I’m very optimistic and I’m thrilled to be a part of the solution.

the way i see it is sometimes people just get lazy and they don't want to go b/c of the weather, blah blah whatever their excuses at the last minute. but if i have to pay in advanced to reserve my spot at blah studio, then i will probably show since i will lose that money if i don't go. also it could be people feel more secure if the studio is there, they feel they get a stamp of approval if this person is allowed to teach in studios. just my 2 cents. ;)