Get thee to yoga class

Thought I'd share this blogger post from William Hunnell: http://www.downdogjunction.com/yoga-class-get-there/

Here is the excerpt in case the post disappears.

I had never even been to a ‘live’ Yoga class. Not only was I being judgmental; I was being arrogant and elitist. That just didn’t sit well with me. Or, was it because of my fear of not being accepted? My ego was in the way of potential growth. As I continued to beat myself up I came to a conclusion. I will not allow ego to get in the way of my Yoga or my personal growth in any arena.

I did a quick Google search, found Yoga House of Charleston and the schedule, read through the descriptions and decided on Wind – Level 2 Vinyasa Flow taught by Gail Corvette. I signed up for the class and followed their request to be fifteen minutes early. Actually, I was thirty minutes early.

There’s something to be said for ‘live’ class: there are actual people in the room with you!  Having actual living, breathing people in the room adds a dimension that, well, it changes things. Then, let’s not forget, there is an actual live instructor.

As I stated: my practice has been primarily a home practice. I feel I’ve learned a lot in this way and it showed in the class. It also showed that there were finer parts of poses that I had no inclination of. I mean, as I’ve progressed with the DVD’s and read I’ve picked up on cues for adjustments. However, there are inherent limitations: no one on one adjustments or cues.

I will never discount the value of a home practice. After all, there is a plethora of benefits in a home practice: self-paced, fits in whenever you want, and no dress code. It will also give anyone, I feel, an appreciation for ‘live’ instruction.

I believe the value of live one-on-one instruction can not be over-stated. In my experience in just one evening I feel my practice has expanded dramatically. For me, the highlight was being adjusted and then being successfully talked through a forearm stand and then a headstand. Those are two poses I’ve not been successful with on my own.

Moreover, the interaction with both students and the teacher was satisfying. What I found was a welcoming group of people who just want to get their yoga on. It was the first time I was surrounded by living people who share this common interest. In short, it was not what I expected: I would go so far as to equate it to a ‘homecoming’ of sorts. It was a meeting of the minds on a plane that made it almost transcendent. Were there any elitists present? I don’t know or even care: I was.

The experience left me wanting more. It completely obliterated all of my pre-conceived notions and prejudice(s). In other words it was a true growth experience for me.

While I will not discontinue my home practice, I will enhance it with a ‘live’ class at least once a week. If I continue to have such experiences I can see more ‘live’ classes in my future.
It’s all about balance. Ain’t that right, Travis Eliot?
Namaste
OMJ