Sierra Commons

If your excuse for not practicing Yoga has been lack of funds, you’re going to have to come up with a new excuse.

As of the New Year, Nevada City Yoga studio Shuniaa has decided to make their classes available to everyone on a donation-only basis.

“Our hopes at Shuniaa are that people see the act of donating as an opportunity, as opposed to feeling put out by a price tag that may feel fine one day and too much on another day,” said Shuniaa manager Angela Suriano.

Previously, a one-month pass to Shuniaa was $108. Students could also opt for a range of packages that put classes in the $10-$15 dollar range. Now, the suggested donation is $10, but that’s only a guideline. “People can pay whatever they want,“ says Jonathan Valdman, a member of Shuniaa’s six-member council. “If you can give more, pay forward, you are helping to offset those who aren’t currently able to give that amount. The idea is that there is still an exchange of money, and energy, and no one gets turned away due to lack of funds.”

The most famous proponents of “name your price” commerce were probably Radiohead, who shocked the music industry when they offered a download of their 2007 album In Rainbows for a suggested $5 donation.

Shuniaa’s decision was influenced by a successful donation-only studio called Yoga To The People, which has locations in San Francisco, Berkeley, and Manhattan. Valdman is optimistic about Shuniaa’s future in donation-only business. “It feels great as a teacher to be able to reach as many people who can benefit as possible, and it also feels good to be compensated for their service. Shuniaa hopes that both can be achieved.”

Shuniaa is at 212 Church Street. Full disclosure: Author of this post is a Shuniaaddict.

Tags: shuniaa yoga nevada city

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