What Yoga Is To Me
Yoga is a practice that dates back to centuries ago, about 5000 years, and it seems like every now and then you hear of a new method, or style of yoga. Iynegar, Bikram, Katonah, Jivamukti, Hot, Power, Animal… the list can go on. The styles may be different but I think the essence and the roots are the same, what is it about yoga that keeps it “yoga” despite the change in name, music, teaching style and moves?
To me yoga, or at least the asana practice of yoga, is movement in synchrony, movement in unity, movement of expression and self discovery. It is exploring your body and being so aware and present that you cannot think of anything else.. finding that state of trance. I appreciate the physical and mental challenges the poses bring as it brings to my awareness the way I respond to challenge and how attentive/distracted I am. It is truly humbling. Coming from a dancer background, alignment is important to me for several reasons. First of all it keeps you safe and it allows you to better understand your body mechanics so when you decide to self express or further explore, you are protected and have all the tools you need to unleash your physical potential. Lastly, I truly believe in lines of energy and how this can help you move your body beyond your assumed potential, it helps you visualize and arrive to challenging poses with such grace and understanding.
I believe in the power of united movement. a big way I practice “Yoga” is moving in unison, moving in a community. There is a reason a simple SUN SALUTATION A can feel like magic when you and 100 people are doing it together, on the same breath. I also believe that learning to manipulate your breath can change your mood and improve the way your react, or respond to agitation, unrest, trauma, etc... I hope that people leave my class feeling stronger, lighter and most importantly, happier. Despite what may be conveyed, yoga is not rigid, creating a sequence really has no rules. I intentionally name my signature class soul flow, and eliminated the term “yoga” so people don’t come with rigid expectations. It’s about how it makes you feel. It’s the connection you make with your self. It’s the result, the aftermath. What makes you connect? Do the yoga that works for you.. What is your yoga ?