Just Dance!

I have not been teaching yoga for very long, however, there is something I notice happening with students who are new to yoga, looking to others (or to me) and trying to 'mimick' the look of the pose.

This creates a mindset of comparison which is unrealistic and can become discouraging.

I remind my students always that yoga is a journey to yourself!

Yoga meets you where you are and I really stress that to my students. I also tell them repeatedly, "your body will not always respond the same way every time, there will be days you feel more stiffness or gripping within the body. That is okay!

There are days you will feel amazing and more flexible as well." Embrace it all!

Both scenarios are perfectly natural, human experiences.

Noticing the differences is where the magic happens.

noticing what is happening in your body, no matter how subtle or obvious is the whole point!

Learning how to show yourself grace is an added benefit which follows us off the mat - win win!!

The human body is a very complicated structure, with multiple systems and functions. The main purpose of a steady yoga practice is the union of the body and mind. To learn to FULLY understand the body & mind connection.

Seeing students look to other students or to myself during a class used to frustrate me, and I would wonder if my cueing was lacking or maybe my voice was not projecting enough, what was I doing wrong?

Then I had this 'aha' moment and I realized most of us are used to Western exercise classes where the idea is to all be doing the same thing, the same way, in the same posture and it clicked. Western exercise classes are very cookie-cutter with few variations/options.

The typical gym environment can be loud and competitive. Yoga is quiet and meant to draw your attention inward.

And while I am always mindful of my words during a yoga class, I now know how to cue around this built-in idea of looking to your neighbor or copying what they are doing.

I always emphasize the words "option to" - "stay where you are" "if this is enough..."

Even though there are several people in one class, I am consistent in reminding students their practice is their own, to stay with their breath, connect to their bodies.

We come together to share our practice with one another and that is a beautiful thing, so we do not need to all be doing the same exact thing in every pose. We can enjoy each others company and of course there are those moments of community before and after a class for students to connect with one another.

If you have ever watched a full yoga class closely you would see that it is not unusual at all for people to go off on their own and pause for a minute or two.

I have been asked, "then why would you go to a yoga class if you're just going to do your own thing?"

My answer is, some people come for the 'union' of being in the energy of a yoga class. Some people show up because getting out motivates them to practice.

The idea is not to judge.

I am always grateful for students who show up to a class, even if it is just one student.

Yoga means union and in this world of uncertainty I appreciate every person who walks through my door and I will continue offering "options to..." and encouraging them to "take what they need."

I like to think of a yoga class as a dance party. Not everyone wants to dance to the same song every time.

If you want to skip a vinyasa skip it, take a child's pose, sit quietly, or stand on your head!!

Go for it, take what you need, find your center and JUST DANCE!!!

Thank you for sharing your practice with me

Namaste