Be a Karma Yogi Just Like Javier Chavez
When you walk into a Powerflow Yoga studio, it’s highly possible that one of our friendly karma yogis will greet you. Karma yogis check you into class, hand you a towel, keep the studio clean and make those cold eucalyptus washcloths (in select locations) you love. They agree to work 1 or 2 shifts per week in exchange for unlimited yoga. (If you want to be a karma yogi, read through for more details at the bottom of this story. We always need good people.)
We want to give a special shout out to Javier Chavez. He has been a dedicated karma yogi at PFY Bloomfield since February 1, 2011. We’ve been lucky to have him for 5 years. He does a lot of martial arts in his free time, and he started doing yoga to prevent injuries. “It helps my breathing and flexibility,” he says. “It’s also really good helping me keep centered and calm.” He remembers his very first yoga class with Alison McCue on November 18, 2009! He hasn’t taken a break from yoga in all of these years.
“Being a karma yogi is a wonderful deal,” Javier explains. “That’s why I’ve been doing it for so long.”
We have other positions such as studio managers, teachers, part timers and more. But karma yogis are there for one main reason: They love to do yoga, and they will work for it. It’s a program that’s beneficial to yogis and to PFY. We asked Javier to share some of the details of the job, plus a few of his experiences.
PFY: What do you like about your job?
Javier: You get to meet nice people. It’s rewarding in a sense. I’ve been here for awhile, so I’ve made friends over the years that I keep in touch with. Plus, free yoga!
PFY: What are your karma yogi jobs?
Javier: Basically, I do a lot of customer service, housekeeping, making the members feel welcome, knowing how the packages work. I answer questions a lot. People get nervous to try yoga out, so I make them feel more comfortable. I assure them that yoga is for everybody.
PFY: What are your hours?
Javier: Typically, 4 to 5 hours a week in exchange for classes.
PFY: How often do you do yoga?
Javier: I go 3 to 4 times a week. I mostly go to PFY Clifton because it’s close to my house. For several years, before Clifton opened, I always went to PFY Bloomfield.
PFY: How do you make time to do yoga, be a karma yogi and do your job?
Javier: With my main job, I am a financial advisor, I have a lot of flexibility with my hours. That’s why my Tuesday karma yogi morning shift works. My schedule allows me to do a lot of things I really enjoy. I like my job. I do yoga and martial arts.
PFY: What’s your favorite yoga pose?
Javier: Tripod headstand. It was challenging in the beginning, and when I started practicing it, my core wasn’t strong. But after a couple of months, it got easier, and I was able to do it.
PFY: Tell us a little more about yourself and what you like to do.
Javier: I visit Peru every year because I have family there. I enjoy doing and teaching Brazilian Jujitsu. I love chocolate chip mint ice cream, and I’m into classic rock. I really enjoy music. I’ve been collecting vinyl records, cassettes and CDs since 1986. I must have more than a thousand.
So now that you get a better feel for the program, you may want to apply. PFY currently needs karma yogis in Chatham, Clifton, Livingston, Morristown, Wayne and Westwood. Click on the studio you’re interested in and email them a letter and a resume. If you’re willing to be a helpful part of the team, we’re willing to share the gift of yoga. It’s a win-win.
