Part 1: Understanding What You Really Need

Let’s talk about money.

Not in a scary, spreadsheet kind of way, but in a real, honest, “let’s get comfortable talking about it” kind of way.

As therapists, yoga teachers, coaches and wellness professionals, we spend so much time talking about energy flow, balance, and self-care, yet often avoid the topic of financial flow.

But here’s the truth — money is energy too. It fuels your mission, sustains your practice and gives you the freedom to keep helping others.

So before we can create consistent financial flow, we need to explore our relationship with money and get clear on what we truly need.

This is the first part of a two-part series. Today is all about awareness and clarity. Next month, we’ll explore how to build that consistent flow in practical terms.

Our Relationship With Money

Let’s get honest for a moment. How do you feel about money?

Do you see it as freedom, safety, stress, guilt or power?

Many of us grew up with complicated beliefs about money:
“Money doesn’t grow on trees.”
“Don’t talk about money.”
“People who want money are greedy.”

These messages shape how we behave as adults. We undercharge, overdeliver or avoid looking at our finances altogether.

When we do that, we block flow. Because you can’t invite abundance into a space filled with guilt or shame.

The first step is awareness. Understand what your current relationship with money looks like and whether it’s supporting or restricting you.

What Do You Actually Need?

Before you can create financial flow, you need clarity — not just a vague “I want to earn more,” but a clear idea of how much is enough for you.

Let’s use a simple and powerful framework: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

At the base are your basic needs:
food, rent or mortgage, bills, travel, essentials.
This is the minimum you need each month to live safely and securely.

The next level is comfort:
the things that make life smoother and more enjoyable — yoga classes, a meal out, a holiday, or savings that help you feel calm.
These stop you from living in survival mode.

At the top is what I call “winning”:
your version of a rich life.
Not necessarily yachts and designer handbags, but the version of life where you feel abundant, free, and able to give back.

That might look like having savings, investing in your work, or taking time off without guilt.

The question is: do you know what those numbers look like for you?
Not what you think you should earn, but what you truly need to feel safe, comfortable, and thriving?

You can’t create flow if you don’t first know the foundations.

Designing Your Rich Life

Now let’s take this further — what does your rich life look like?

Close your eyes and imagine the financially calm, secure, and abundant version of your life.

Maybe it’s being able to pay yourself regularly and on time.
Maybe it’s having the flexibility to work four days a week.
Maybe it’s investing in professional training or your next retreat.

Whatever it is, write it down. Get specific.

Because you can’t create a flow towards something that’s undefined.

When you know what you need, everything becomes clearer.
You can price your services with confidence.
You can say yes or no to opportunities with intention.
You can stop feeling guilty for wanting to earn enough to thrive — not just survive.

The Takeaway

Before you start asking “How do I earn more?” start by asking “How much do I actually need?”

✨ Define your basic needs
✨ Define your comfort level
✨ Define your rich life

Because you can’t create financial flow until you know where that flow needs to go.

Next month, we’ll move into Part 2: how to build consistent financial flow — from pricing and packaging your work to creating systems that support sustainable growth.