(The topic of this weeks blog might not be of interest to many of you who may already be along the path of yoga. However many of you may be asked by friends or family about your yoga experience and how you decided what kind of yoga to take. I chose this topic because I get asked these types of questions frequently and I realized that as practicing yogis and yoginis you may be asked the same questions as well. This may be a great opportunity to not only walk the talk, but to share some of the thoughts mentioned below.)
If variety is the spice of life then all one needs to do is take a look at the offerings at any yoga studio to see that this ancient practice has become VERY spicy! So many choices exist that include purest styles such as Iyengar, Ashtanga and Bikram where a precise format is often followed. And then there's the flow varieties such as Vinyasa and Anusara. For toning it down you can choose from Restorative, Yin or Gentle Vinyasa. What if you're a hardcore fitness junkie looking for the endorphin push?Give Power or Boot Camp Yoga a try. Can't get on the floor? Chair Yoga might fit your palate. And I'm only mentioning some of the more generic choices as many have evolved into specific flavors and hybrids (yogalates anyone?).
So how do YOU know what to select? Often, when people are initially looking at stepping onto the mat all they know or have been told is that they should try yoga. They search for a studio close by or take a class at a local gym (fitness yoga) in the hopes that it will fit the bill. It can seem like a risky maneuver to show up at a class and have no idea what to expect. And thankfully, that has worked for some people. Others, however, are often left with a sour taste in their mouths. They went to a class that simply wasn't aimed at supporting their needs. Not all yoga is created equal, yet as it continues to evolve, so must the information that is presented to the buying public.
Over the past eight years I have been working, quietly, on addressing this issue. My aim is to get people into the right class the first time around. Often people will find their way to my classes who have had a bad experience with yoga previously. They say things like- "The class was too hard, fast, slow or easy. The instructor was good but there were so many people in the room, I felt invisible. I got hurt trying something that was beyond me, yet I didn't want to feel embarrassed by not doing what everyone else was doing".
Often it's not the fault of the instructor. Studios want to be able to stay in business which means generating revenue by getting backsides on mats. Some places can pack them in so tight that mats nearly overlap resulting in stretched out arms inevitably bumping into other.
Originally yoga was taught 1-1, teacher (guru) to student (only men practiced). We have taken the model from the fitness industry of offering large, generic classes to the masses which can make economic sense but leave many participants scratching their heads.
In an attempt to actually see and know the student my emphasis has been on deliberately keeping classes limited in size and getting specific about the type of class on offer. I have been fortunate to experiment with this model over the past few years within a medical practice. The needs of the students took time to reveal themselves and continues to do so, yet here are some of the things I've learned:
*Limit the class size, even if the room can hold many.
*Offer classes based on the needs of the people wanting to attend, such as a distinction of experience (beginner/experienced) or physical limitation (Can they kneel? Get up and down from the floor?). Get specific.
*Consider the population of people NOT being served by yoga; in particular focusing on the nervous system, healing or managing chronic injuries or seniors who have different needs than Gen X'ers.
Many of you who read this blog on a consistent basis know "if you can breathe, you can do yoga". Finding a class that CAN welcome anyone wherever they're currently at is a vital part of getting the most out of the practice.
To finish this thought of the week, I'll offer a couple pieces of advice. First, avoid classes that say "all levels" especially if you're a beginner. Find a class that says it's for beginners and work your way into your practice. Even if you're in great shape, you still need to learn the basics.
Second, ask many questions BEFORE you come to a class, preferably of the instructor who teaches it. This is vital if you have a chronic injury or other limitations. Maybe you love being in the heat and the studio is kept at a cool 74 degrees. Or they burn incense which you have an allergy to or they chant and you've always wanted to give it a try.
Third, try it out. The class time might be great but perhaps you don't resonate with the teacher. Find a teacher who you DO resonate with and your experience will be greatly altered in a positive way.
Fourth, give yourself permission to say "no". That means listening to your inner voice if your body is giving you the signal to back off. Not only is it your body but you want to feel empowered to make your own choices guided by a conscientious teacher.
Finally, the intention is that yoga can be a lifelong practice and support you through the physical, mental/emotional and spiritual undulations of our lives. Choose wisely and it might even be a path of liberation.
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