Go, ya!

A brief interruption of my flow, to discuss a recent experience I had: Doing Yoga while on vacation.

Doing yoga while traveling is a really interesting thing.

Whether it's sharing a knowing smile with a complete stranger as you both sneak a stretch or a pose sitting in an airport, or laughing about trying to do downward dog on a carpet and slipping, it's very interesting. It made me appreciate the time I get to do yoga in a studio, with props and an instructor. It made me appreciate how many people also appreciate it. It felt like when I wasn't looking, I got invited to the Yogaverse, complete with secret handshake-poses and all. It also made me a friend with just a shared glance and a smile.

Thank you, random acts of yoga.

The Plural of Yoga is Yoga.

With one class of yoga under my belt, I was ready to take the
practice a bit farther. My first class was mostly spent learning what
the poses were called and doing the best that I could within them. Now
that I knew the absolute basics, I wasn't as focused on keeping up
with the poses, but was able to focus more on continuing to breath
properly while moving more specifically through the poses. I also
began to realize more exactly what the "flow" meant, and what I think
it's supposed to do. It seems to me that the flow between poses is
what keeps a class of yoga as one class, it's all part of the same
movement and expression, constantly refining itself. Even if that
isn't completely correct, I think it's a beautiful idea and it's what
I think of when I think about it. I suspect that it's one of those
things that is different to everyone, so if you have a different
opinion, or know the "correct" answer I'd love to hear it!

Then as I got caught up in this line of thought, class ended. I began
to look back at my practice for the day, and I tried to think about
how I could use the props that were provided in the same way that the
flow works. It seemed simple enough; I needed the props to enter a lot
of the poses for my body, so how could I incorporate the props into my
practice without breaking my flow?

I'll discuss what I've come up with in my next entry which is
tentatively titled: "Props to our props"

Namaste,
Matt Blank

Giving it a try

Hi. I'm Matt. Looking at me, I'm the last guy you'd ever expect to be
headed to a yoga class. I've always had trouble with my weight, and
had always assumed that as a result I couldn't ever do yoga. I was,
however, lucky enough to go to school with Alyssa who works at Yoga
Vida NYC (www.yogavidanyc.com). So through her gentle coaxing, she convinced me to try it. A
few days later after school, she and I left class to go to the studio,
where I was too nervous to ask any real yoga questions. I really had
no idea what to expect at all, but I was willing to give it a try.

When I got to the studio I met Mike who was working behind the desk,
and signed up for my first class. This was it; there was no going
back. I felt very out of place, until I nervously placed my mat down,
where I was met and welcomed by Jessie. It was a small class that day,
and when Jessie smiled and asked "Is this anyone's first time *ever*
doing yoga", I sheepishly raised my hand. There was another
first-timer there, and we exchanged an awkward smile. Jessie explained
the Ujai breath, and how that was the most important part of the
practice. Then we began. Jessie was incredibly patient as I stumbled
my way through sun salutations, and I was very proud of myself that I
never completely fell over. Then we began other seated poses, and
while I was having a lot of trouble getting very far with the pose,
Jessie saw this and helped me. Then she said something that is in the
top three pieces of advice I've ever received in my life, she said,
"Don't worry if you don't get there today, you have your whole life to
get there." All my concerns left with my next exhale.

Once the pressure was off, I was much more able to focus on what I was
doing, and started to realize what adjustments I needed to make with
the blocks and straps. Then next thing I knew, I was upside down. A
few minutes later class was over.

At the end of the class, I realized I didn't feel exhausted
afterwards. I actually felt great. Energized and calm. I'd actually
done a yoga class, and I felt great!

Looking back at it, there are 5 pieces of advice that I wish I'd
received for my specific situation. Most of these are things that I've
overheard subsequently in classes.
1) Your first class is mostly a lesson in listening and patience. You
aren't going to know what things are, but they are easy to learn and
you will!
2) Don't be afraid to ask your question, no matter what the question
is. Don't be afraid to use your props, that's what they're there for.
3) Try to be near a wall to help you balance, especially if you are
like me and aren't in great shape.
4) Jessie says, "Don't worry if you don't get there today, you have your whole life
to get there." Yoga isn't about if you can touch your toes, but rather
if you can keep your form and your breathing consistent as you move
towards your toes. Go as far as is right for your body. No matter the
body.
5) Alex says "A big part of the practice is trying to trick yourself.
Keep breathing."

Namaste,
Matt Blank