New Age Entrepreneur
There is something about being a pioneer in the field of yoga that rails against what we assume entrepreneurs to be. To begin with yoga seems too spiritual to be a field for innovation. It seems so old as to be incapable of being revolutionized. Jason Magness didn’t let any of those views stop him. He has revolutionized yoga into an extreme sport by creating a yoga practice which can be done while suspended in the air.
The WSJ noted that:
His exploits have made him a legend in the small underground of adventure sports. He’s also the innovator of slackline yoga and is one of its few masters. More difficult than tightrope walking, it involves holding yoga poses while balanced on a flat rope the width of a thumb. Since he and a friend invented the practice three years ago, Mr. Magness has given demonstrations at yoga conferences, released an instructional DVD and taught 2,000 people at workshops across the country. Although it is unlikely to become a mainstream sport — just five people teach it — it is catching on among the most agile of yoga devotees.
Magness’ life is one spent on the go. He travels constantly and attempts this practice in a range of diverse areas. The lifestyle draws him but it also has its drawbacks. Like any entrepreneur he puts in long hours and hones his craft in an attempt to make a lasting impact on both himself and the world. He’s the only entrepreneurial yogi I can think of but I’d argue that he is an entrepreneur. What do you think? Do you think there is room for more entrepreneurs in this field? Is his innovative approach ruining the spiritual nature of yoga or elevating it to a new platform?
Tags: entrepreneur, James Magness, Wall Street Journal, yoga
