Anusara Announces New Structure

A New Chapter for Anusara

Anusara Yoga, an innovative form of Hatha yoga focused on the alignment of the mind, body, and heart, has recently announced a significant change in its organizational structure. This change marks a pivotal moment in the history of Anusara, signaling a new direction for the renowned yoga school.

Anusara Announces a Big Change

The announcement of a new CEO signifies a strategic shift in leadership at Anusara. Additionally, the transition to a teacher-run nonprofit organization reflects the commitment to fostering a more collaborative and community-oriented approach to governance and decision-making. This transformation aligns with the core values of Anusara Yoga, emphasizing inclusivity and shared leadership.

The Announcement of a New CEO

In 2012, John Friend stepped down as CEO of Anusara, Inc., paving the way for a new era of leadership within the organization. Michal Lichtman assumed the role of CEO, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Anusara's philosophy and principles.

Transitioning to a Teacher-Run Nonprofit

The transition to a teacher-run nonprofit represents an evolution towards greater transparency and accountability. This shift empowers teachers within the Anusara community to actively participate in shaping the future of the organization while upholding its founding principles.

Why Change Now?

The evolution of Anusara Yoga over the past two decades has been remarkable. With a 150% rise in male yoga practitioners between 2015 and 2016, Anusara Yoga has emerged as one of the fastest-growing hatha yoga schools globally. This growth necessitates adaptive changes to ensure that Anusara remains responsive to the evolving needs of its diverse community.

The Evolution of Anusara Yoga

Since its inception in 1997, Anusara Yoga has fostered a deep connection between physical alignment and self-reflection. As it continues to attract an increasingly diverse student body, adapting its organizational structure becomes imperative to maintain relevance and inclusivity.

Responding to the Community's Needs

The decision to transition into a teacher-run nonprofit organization is rooted in responding proactively to feedback from within the community. By embracing this change, Anusara demonstrates its commitment to creating an environment that reflects and serves all members equally.

Understanding Anusara's New Structure

As Anusara Announces its New Structure, it's essential to delve into the specifics of this transformative shift. This new phase brings about a redefined organizational framework, emphasizing collaboration and community-driven decision-making.

The Role of the New CEO in Anusara

Leading with Vision and Experience

The appointment of Michal Lichtman as the new CEO signifies a strategic move towards leadership that is deeply rooted in the core principles of Anusara. In a recent interview, John Friend emphasized the importance of visionary leadership that aligns with the ethos of Anusara Yoga. Lichtman's extensive experience and profound understanding of the philosophy make him well-equipped to lead Anusara into this new chapter.

A Closer Look at the CEO's Responsibilities

In our conversation with John Friend, he shed light on the expanded responsibilities of the CEO within this restructured framework. The role encompasses not only operational oversight but also a commitment to fostering an environment that prioritizes transparency, inclusivity, and community healing. This approach reflects a conscious effort to integrate personal reflections on transparency and community healing into the fabric of Anusara's operations.

The Shift to a Teacher-Run Nonprofit

What Does "Teacher-Run" Really Mean?

According to insights from John Friend, transitioning to a teacher-run nonprofit organization entails placing greater emphasis on empowering teachers within the Anusara community. It involves reorganizing Anusara yoga to be more teacher-driven, fostering an environment where instructors play an active role in shaping the direction and ethos of the organization.

Benefits of a Nonprofit Structure for Anusara

Our discussions with John Friend also highlighted how this transition aligns with broader industry trends. The integration of yoga into businesses has underscored the significance of nonprofit structures in promoting sustainability and community impact. By embracing this model, Anusara aims to strengthen its commitment to social responsibility while aligning its business goals with ethical practices.

What This Means for the Anusara Community

As Anusara embraces its New Structure, the immediate and long-term implications of this transformative shift are significant for the global community of practitioners, teachers, and supporters.

Immediate Impacts of the New Structure

Changes in Governance and Decision-Making

The restructuring brings about a fundamental change in how decisions are made within Anusara. With a shift towards a more collaborative and inclusive approach, governance will now involve active participation from teachers and community members. This change aims to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in shaping the future direction of Anusara, fostering an environment of shared leadership and decision-making.

Potential Challenges and How We're Addressing Them

While change is often accompanied by challenges, Anusara is committed to addressing potential obstacles with transparency and proactive solutions. The organization recognizes the need for open communication channels to navigate any transitional hurdles effectively. By actively engaging with the community, Anusara aims to address concerns as they arise, ensuring a smooth transition into this new phase.

Long-Term Benefits for Teachers and Students

Strengthening the Anusara Philosophy

The new structure presents an opportunity to deepen the embodiment of Anusara's philosophical principles within the community. By placing greater emphasis on teacher-driven initiatives and decision-making processes, Anusara seeks to reinforce its commitment to upholding the core tenets of alignment, heart-centeredness, and inclusivity. This approach aims to enrich the experience for both teachers and students, fostering a deeper connection to the essence of Anusara Yoga.

Expanding Our Global Reach and Impact

Looking ahead, this redefined structure positions Anusara to expand its global influence while maintaining strong connections at a local level. By empowering teachers through active involvement in organizational decisions, Anusara endeavors to create a more interconnected network that resonates with individuals worldwide. This expansion aligns with our vision to make Anusara accessible across diverse communities globally, promoting unity through yoga's transformative power.

Looking Ahead

As Anusara embarks on this transformative journey, it's essential for the community to come together and embrace the changes that lie ahead. Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of Anusara Yoga and ensuring its continued growth and success.

How You Can Get Involved

Your support and active participation play a pivotal role in contributing to the evolution of Anusara's new structure. Whether you're a practitioner, teacher, or supporter, your feedback, ideas, and engagement are invaluable. Consider joining community forums, providing input on key decisions, and actively participating in events and initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and collaborative environment.

The Importance of Community Feedback

The voices of individuals within the Anusara community hold immense significance as we navigate this transition. Your feedback will guide us in making informed decisions that reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of our global community. By actively engaging with us, you can help shape the direction of Anusara Yoga, ensuring that it remains aligned with its core values while evolving to meet the changing landscape of yoga practice.

See Also

Yoga Philosophy Introduction: Beam of Illumination

Creating Room for Your Yoga Journey | Yoga Philosophy: Yoga Sutra 1.2

Truthful Yoga Flow: Asana, Chant, Gesture, Contemplation | Yamas + Niyamas

Essential Elements of Power Yoga: Discovering Your Rhythm Everywhere | Baptiste Yoga

Brahmacharya Yoga Routine: Asana, Chant, Gesture | Yamas and Niyamas