learning HOW to practice
With vaccinations slowly underway, it feels like there is finally light at the end of this very long pandemic tunnel. One of the bright spots this past year has been studying with teachers who do not live nearby. I've taken weekly classes with my mentors and most influential teachers—Chris Saudek, Rebecca Lerner and Laurie Blakeney. There have also been opportunities to be in class with Prashant and Abhijata Iyengar in Pune, India. They have stressed the importance of knowing how to practice. At the beginning of the pandemic, Abhi encouraged us to be kind to ourselves, to use our practice to support us through this difficult time. Months later she challenged us in the asana classes, knowing we all needed movement and momentum as the pandemic and the physical distancing dragged on.
This is one of the most beneficial and beautiful aspects of Iyengar Yoga—it is ever adaptable to our situation. In a class with Prashant recently, he said, "How do I keep my body fit so it doesn't become a hindrance to me? The answer will be different for each person and at different stages of life." He used the difference between how a marathon runner and a sprinter train to illustrate that how we practice is an essential consideration.
This has been of great interest to me lately, which is why I've been offering special classes that give us different ways to approach practice. This Wednesday is the first of the Quiet, Cool, and Calm series (alternate Wednesdays, 7:30 – 8:30 pm). In these one-hour (mostly) restorative classes, we use supported asanas to release the physical and mental tension from the day while building a deeper awareness of the body. Using support can allow for a quieter way of working that relies on the movement of the breath.
Next week I'll be teaching Spring Tonic (Friday, March 19, 4:00 – 6:00 pm). This class will include a variety of asanas (standing, seated, inversions and backbends) that support the nervous system and calm the mind while toning the physical body, building confidence and a renewed sense of vitality. This particular type of practice is ideal for times of transition, be they seasonal in nature or due to inevitable changes in life (post menstruation, menopausal, changes in family-life or work).
Lastly, for those of you lucky enough to have a safely installed set of yoga ropes at home, I'll be offering a series to help you explore the many ways to utilize your ropes. In Yoga Kurunta at Home (Three Fridays beginning April 23, 10:00 – 11:30 am), each class will build on the next as students build confidence and familiarity in their use of the ropes. Some of the setups are quite fun and help bring a tremendous lightness to the pose, giving one the feeling of moving weightlessly like a marionette.
I look forward to seeing you in the weekly classes or maybe in one of these special offerings. Until we can see each other again in person at the studio, I'm so grateful that we have the ability to continue our studies together online.
March 8, 2021