But I am not Flexible...

Yoga class does not require only flexible people. Flexibility is not the only reason people practice yoga. Yoga has benefits beyond how far you can spread your legs in the splat position. Honestly, the asana (postures) portion is only one amazing yoga aspect. Yoga can be experienced through breathing, relaxing the mind and every day life.
Asana practice appears to be the most familiar form of yoga to western civilization. I am not trying to be prejudice but a large portion of the men I talk to believe that yoga is a female stretching activity. FYI, there are lots of flavors of Yoga. The next comments I hear are based on the individual's personal restraints: 1) Flexibility, 2) Embarassment. An amazing University dorm mate struggled with flexibility. Due to scoliosis (curvature of the spine) the ability to sit straight with legs extended is still IMPOSSIBLE. In last night's phone conversation she reminded me of her scoliosis. I had completely forgot about her discomfort while in a seated posture with her legs extended. She quickly informed me that Yoga is not something she will ever be doing and her reason is flexibility. The conversation was amazing because she just got engaged after four years of true love! Congrats. I am sure George and Laura will attend the ceremony.

It was also a wonderful conversation because as a teacher people with physical restraints are always coming into the Yoga class. Individuals want to learn how to work their body in a way that they are comfortable with its abilities. Some individuals are not interested in the practice of Yoga and some really think they cannot do it! As a Yoga practictioner I do my best to share my personal Yoga story and encourage individuals to stay open minded with Yoga and life in general. It is hard to completely say no to something harmless when you have never tried.

Finally, for all those people who are not doing Yoga because they are inflexible I think you should re-think your reasoning. Avoiding Yoga because you are not interested is one reason but flexibility is a silly excuse.

much love + peace to everyone.

Different Yoga Teachers

Yoga teachers are not indestructible. Their bodies breakdown and they get sick, too. Sometimes they need a holiday or a break from teaching. When a teacher becomes unavailable to teach they must get a substitute teacher. The substitute is often doing a favor for the instructor and taking on an opportunity to teach a new group of students. The new instructor might be looking for further insight from a different group of students. Instruction is often a huge learning experience, too.

It is frustrating when you are planning to attend a class and your favorite instructor is not going to be available. Some students and instructors have specific time slots open to attending group practices. The set itinerary is what we want and can be easily frustrated when it is altered.

Are we still a yogi when we get frustrated about a change in our itinerary? The yoga class is still going to be available it is going to only have a different instructor. Have we become control freaks who do not want our time to be manipulated by someone we have not selected? So much anger can occur when a simple change occurs. Anger before a yoga class is never something that anyone really desires. Personally, I strongly dislike emotional waste and try my best not to get consumed by the change of instructor. Going with the flow and just being present is my yogic standpoint but it is a challenge on some occasions.

Finally, out of common courtesy the instructor should make an effort to alert his or her students if there is a substitute instructor. Some of us just need to get in a different mental framework in order to accept a new instructor. At the same time, yoga students need to return to their yoga roots. The idea of accepting each yoga practice which in turn will teach the calming of the chitta vritti.

Students pay money to attend most yoga classes. The money donated to each class can go a long way. The money is supporting the studios' bills. It is also, supporting the instructors ability to live and learn more about everyone's common interest, yoga. The yoga studio that I am a member of gives generously to the community and provides exceptionally cheap yoga classes. I am proud to teach and learn from the studio's community each day I walk through those doors.

If money is not the reason for frustration with the change in teacher than maybe it is important to search deeper for an answer. There are a million different ways a class can be instructed. Allowing exposure to different teachers and styles of yoga can only broaden your practice and mental state. If a particular teacher does not suit your fancy than choose a private or home practice where you can reach further into your own personal practice. There are so many benefits to practicing in a group setting and on your own. Enjoy the two worlds can only help you enlighten more people with your love and peace of mind. Relax it is just yoga.

Share Your Energy

As the weather takes a sharp turn many of us are finding ourselves sick and/or overwhelmed. Cool weather can place a huge shock on the human body and it is important for us to ease into the changes. Yoga classes can head south when everyone is feeling tired and negative. It is the yoga instructors job to help alleviate the strain and negative emotions bringing down the class energy. While in a dreary yoga class, yogis with energy should try their best to help relieve the negativity by smiling or by maintaining an open heart throughout his or her practice.

In life we are always in a rush and it is beneficial to apply gentle yoga skills to the "stressful" daily obstacles. Humans cannot be in "perfect" form each day but as a yogi I believe it is my duty to share the good energy when it is present within myself. The expression, "smiles are contagious" stands true even in a yoga class. Making everyone feel accepted and comfortable can go a long way. Kind, soothing energy is all we need to make a practice feel amazing.

Stay healthy and help those out who are having a hard day. Spread the love and it will come right back to you.

namaste

Long Lines @ the Coffee Shop

How do coffee shop businesses thrive? Great marketing schemes with over priced caffeine products- what more could a consumer ask for? Maybe this is why more yoga studios are leaning toward providing the coffee and tea on location. Individuals can line up for two fabulous items- caffeine and yoga.

Yoga provides the body, mind and spirit with numerous benefits while coffee appears to more human attention. Yoga has been around for longer than the early 1800s. Maybe humans have been doing yoga for so long that they are just not that into it!?

Yesterday, I was walking to teach a yoga class on University campus and the line at Starbucks was all the way out the door. There must have been 20 people in line and about 25 people sitting in and around the coffee shop. Yoga loving individuals have an easy time imagining the same demand pattern to practice asanas, pranayam and meditation. A Southern US campus location might have an impact on the demand for yoga because of preconceived ideas about mind + body exercises.

The long line outside the campus coffee shop really struck me. I cannot begin to comprehend the desire and relationship humans have with caffeine because I have no experience. My only experience is with yoga. Yoga has proven to be my daily mental high and/or relaxation.

I invite those who enjoy there coffee every day to come out and try a couple of yoga classes. Maybe you can find a balance between the two.