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
