~ Gravity : Power : Yoga ~

Posts Tagged ‘group’

As part of my teacher training I’ve been told that I must practice at home 6 days a week.  I understand the theory, that we must learn how to put together sequences, talk thru the poses, etc…  But I find myself craving classes, I’m not sure if it’s the group energy that I crave, or the fact that I’m with other people (I have to admit, I do not dig solitude, I would much prefer to be with people than without).  But I find myself chastising myself about “going out for yoga” the same way I feel bad when I go out for dinner, instead of cooking a healthy meal for myself.

Five Thousand years ago yoga was practiced by one man, teaching one man how to do it, it was as much, if not more, of a spiritual journey as it was about the physical asana.   Today, yoga in the mainstream is about exercise (for the most part) and why it is on the menu at almost every gym in the country.  At the same time, people are starting to realize the physical benefits, and if they stick with it long enough, the mental benefits…  But I wonder:  is it safe to say there is more than just that?  Think about the interaction you have as you meet more and more people in your regular yoga classes, do you get that same feeling of connection with the people you meet in Tae Bo (no offense Billy, just the first group class that came to mind)?

I have to say, after a few months there is a very good chance that most of the people in the class could be practicing at home, yet they come back, pay their 15 bucks and join in the group love, there has to be more to it than just the class.

Is it possible that this is the new realm of yogic connection?  If you stick with yoga long enough you are bound to realize the benefits of a yoga friendly lifestyle,  and dare I say, that you would have more in common with a fellow yogi than you would with most of the “dance to the limit” class attendees at the gym?