Finding Your Own Style of Yoga

Sometimes a student comes to my class a couple of times and then asks me about whether I can recommend a more difficult or vigorous class. I teach very gentle classes and sometimes students want something that pushes them or challenges them in a very physical way. I always encourage them to try other classes around town -- I would encourage anyone to do the same. It's important to remember that there are lots of different styles of yoga and that what feels "right" for your body on one day or during a certain period of your life, may feel not so "right" at other points. Personally I think it's great to explore all kinds of yoga -- although I would always make sure that the teachers are well educated and knowledgeable and encouraging. For a good overview of some of the types of yoga practiced in the US check out this Yoga Journal article; for a list of qualified teachers take a look at the Yoga Alliance web site.

Happy Practicing and Happy March!!!

Supporting Your Home Practice

I'm always asked by students (as well as friends and family) how they can start creating their own home practice. And although much of it comes down to just being consistent, and setting up a convenient place in your home, sometimes props and tools can really make a difference. I recently took a look at an interesting new product from My Yoga 2 Go which some of you may find really useful for home practice -- or practice while you're traveling.

The practice system they sell has an interesting twist -- it includes a display case which holds 60 yoga cards (and many of you know how much I like using yoga cards for home practice) and allows you to hang them up on a wall, door knob or on the back of a chair. Conveniently you can buy the system with the case and cards or you can just buy the case or cards separately. I was able to play with the whole system and really found it useful. One of the pluses of the cards that come with the system is that they have color coded a series of different practicing sequences right into the cards, but other cards work equally well in the display case.

If you're looking for something to help you with your home practice or a fun yoga-related gift to give someone for the holidays, I think this would be a great choice.

Yoga Away From Home

I'm in DC this week for a work related event and when I travel I like to check out local yoga studios or venues and drop in for a class or two. It's a great way to experience other teacher's methods and have access to a wider range of techniques and styles. Next time you're on vacation or traveling for work see if you can add a class to your trip -- it's a wonderful way to enhance your exploration of a new city or town. One of the easiest ways to find good solid teachers and classes is to visit the Yoga Alliance website where you can search for registered teachers by city or state.

Remember to listen to your body when traveling by taking classes that are both appealing and at a level that's comfortable for you. If you've only been doing yoga for a little while, be careful about taking an advanced class or even an intermediate. Terminology varies wildly -- a gentle class at one studio might be considered intermediate at another depending on the environment and style of yoga taught. Any yoga studio or teacher should be very happy to answer questions about the difficulty of the class -- so call ahead and ask if you have concerns!

Home Practice

Students and friends ask me about home practice a lot. Here are a few simple methods to help ease your way into a rewarding practice away from class.

1. Set low expectations -- try just practicing a few poses for 10 or 15 minutes a few times a week to begin with. Don't set yourself up for a difficult time by insisting that you must practice for an hour or more everyday. Start slowly and you'll be amazed at the results.

2. Set up your space -- find a place and keep it set up to do yoga if possible. Set up part of a guest room as your mini yoga studio. Find a basket for props, your mat and eye pillow. Set up a little table with incense or anything else conducive to your practice; maybe bring in a portable music system of some sort. All of this means that when the mood strikes -- you aren't having to hunt for your mat or strap or that yoga cd that you love to practice to.

3. Get others involved -- see if your kids or partner want to try a little yoga with you. Share a yoga book with them and work on teaching them the things you learn in class. Kids are natural yoga practitioners - super supple and the animal and nature inspired names (cobra, tree, camel, etc.) are fun for them to talk about and use as they practice.

4. Most important -- enjoy. Don't make yoga another stress, another thing you have to do. Some days a bath, a walk in the wood or cuddle time with someone you love is the best yoga there is. Find your yoga in all your daily activities and relax about your practice!

About Summer Practice

It's finally getting warm out there so I just thought I'd remind everyone that while it's lovely to practice outside you may want to try and find a shady spot. Practicing in the direct sun may overheat the body -- be careful and drink plenty of water after (and even during) your practice. Also, be aware that some of your standing balance poses may feel a little different out of doors -- for example in triangle pose when you turn your head and look up you will find that you have the sky as a focal point not the ceiling. This can play around with your sense of balance so again, slow down a bit, and experiment. A big shade tree can be beneficial -- something to block the sun's rays a bit and leaves and branches to give your eyes a focal point when gazing up. And of course a trunk to lean on if you need extra help balancing!

Enjoy your summer, and your summer yoga!!