A traditional vinyasa class just doesn’t do it for me anymore. I’m not sure if that’s due to my chronic pain or being an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person). But I often leave class feeling worse than when I started. Can you relate?
Most vinyasa classes start too quickly. There isn’t enough time to drop in to the body + the mind + the heart. (I won’t even get started on the choice of blaring pop music some teachers choose.)
Most people aren’t yet physically equipped to be flowing in + out of Adho Mukha Shvanasana (“down dog”) + Chaturanga Dandasana 20+ times per class. We lack the shoulder mobility due to sitting all day + having rounded shoulders.
I’m willing to bet I’m not the only person who spends too much time in my head. Therefore, I practice + teach a more grounding class. Sometimes, I may not even stand. I create time + freedom in each movement to really explore the body. The body as it is TODAY. Not in last week’s practice or where you hope to already be. But checking in RIGHT NOW.
Slow movements + connected intentional breath. That’s what yoga is to me. Not a 45-minute sweaty power flow. Is there a time + place for that kind of practice? Sure. But I enjoy challenging my body in others ways (swimming, cycling, resistance training). I practice yoga as a way to further connect back with myself. And often times, I leave a vinyasa class feeling more disconnected + anxious. Maybe I’m the only one, but if you haven’t yet connected with a “traditional” (for the West) yoga class, I encourage you to keep trying.
I’ll be drumming up some new classes for y’all soon + in the mean time, check out @au.yoga’s Monday Morning Mindfulness class. Angelina is a truly gifted teacher + I owe so much of my influence to her. Each class is intentional + well-planned + grounding + inspiring.