Kristin Shepherd
Home Practice or Studio?
This morning, I talked with my lovely man about all of your comments on home practice vs. yoga classes.
We love both, but he feels
pretty strongly about his class last night. He's been working like a
Tasmanian Devil this week and found it beautiful to go to his yin yoga
class, during which they are now holding some of their poses for 15
minutes. (Holy moly! Might as well ask me to fly across the Atlantic.
Without a plane, I mean.)
"What about my face?" he asks. "How could I remember
to relax my jaw without prompting? And my eyes, how do I let those go?
Oh, and my throat, I love it when she reminds me to relax my throat.
And Savasana is so good when someone else is in charge."
This is the reason I'm going to class at lunch
today. There is something wonderful and easy about receiving the
practice. Yes, I'm doing the work, and making all the personal choices
about how much, how far, how strenuous or not. But, oh, how lovely it
is, sometimes, to have my mind settled into each moment of each asana,
rather than wondering what I'll do next, jeez, there's the dog at the
door wanting a walk, woops, that's my dad on the phone, and all of that.
It's as though, in class, they take me by the hand
and just walk me down a path through the woods. I don't have to choose
the path or check my directions or wonder what's ahead.
Just
hold the hand and walk.
That sounds good to me today. How about you?
Thanks
to yoga for being so many things to so many people, and thanks to you
for the conversation.
Kristin Shepherd is a chiropractor, actor, speaker, and workshop wonderwoman in North Bay, Ontario. Join her at kristinshepherd.ca or on Facebook at Dr. Kristin Shepherd.
Kristin Shepherd is a chiropractor, actor, speaker, and workshop wonderwoman in North Bay, Ontario. Join her at kristinshepherd.ca or on Facebook at Dr. Kristin Shepherd.
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Comments
I really enjoy a studio session. I like connecting with the class throughout my practice and if I need adjustment, I like having the instructor available. But, I also find it soothing to be in the comfort of my bedroom and being able to work on a short, customized practice of my own!
Posted by: Maria | July 15, 2010 10:48 AM
I agree with your man - studio all the way. When I skip class due to timing, I am always going to practice at home. Never happens! I am best to stick to my evening yoga before bed at home, and receive my support at the studio!
Posted by: Kim | July 15, 2010 11:23 AM
I guess it all depends on my mood, going to a class is a way to get back to myself somehow, and not being disturbed by the phone ringing, or my boyfriend yelling at his Playstation 3 ;-) I also like being surrounded by like-minded people, building a small community even if it's only for an hour, and receiving adjustments from the teacher.
But I also like being in the comfort of my own home and deciding what to do and when to do it. I enjoy the flexibility and the cosiness of home.
All in all, I mix class and home practice, class feeds my home practice and my home practice feeds what I will choose to do in class.
Posted by: Emmanuelle | July 15, 2010 12:42 PM
I definitely prefer yoga in a studio. When I do home practice I use a podcast. I don't want to come up with my own routine.
Plus I work a lot harder with a teacher watching me (not to mention being in a room full of other people) than when it's just me. That probably doesn't say much good about me but at least I know it about myself.
Posted by: Carrie | July 15, 2010 2:50 PM
I use to prefer a studio class for all the reasons mentioned already, but after a while, and with practice, nothing (and i mean NOTHING) beats a good personal practice.
Personal practice offers less distractions so you can go deeper - not just into the pose,but into yourself. You're able to listen better to your body and give yourself what you need. To awaken that which is dorment, and restore that which is tired...
I think its important that we learn from a teacher, but after you know the postures well enough, you can go so much deeper on your own...I've found this to be true anyway...
Many ways to the top of the mountain.
Aum.
Posted by: Dan | July 15, 2010 5:06 PM
I did a write-up on this.
Both are beneficial, but home sessions should not be ignored, it offers opportunity for a more intimate self exploration of yoga, body and your own body.
Read more here
http://yogiatwork.blogspot.com/2010/07/yoga-home-practice.html
Posted by: Sony Chauhan | July 16, 2010 5:26 AM
Yoga is the best way to keep your self healthy and happy. But to get proper benefits of yoga one must practice it in a correct way, with out making any mistakes. While doing yoga one have to be aware for his breathing pattern and body posture and it is slightly tough to do it with our own. So it is always better to do yoga under any supervision instead of doing it with your own or by watching any videos or dvd's.
Raina, DivineWellness http://bit.ly/avtS1o
Posted by: Raina | July 17, 2010 1:51 AM
I enjoy both. I like the discipline of being in class and I tend to practice for longer and with more challenge when I'm in the studio. But I wouldn't be without my 20 minute pre-breakfast stretch - it gets the day started just right :-)
Posted by: Sarah Fraser | July 20, 2010 2:54 AM
Loved this! In my experience, it took about a year of less-than-stellar home practice (as in, dragging myself to the mat and doing 10 minutes of surya namaskarasanas) PLUS class attendance before my inner teacher kicked in. I agree that it's absolutely lovely to have the external direction of a teacher, but I promise, if you stick with your home practice, that inner voice will speak up soon!
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