Who cares what "critics" say? I thought spiritual side of yoga focuses on the big picture, not paying attention to critics with small, closed minds. Who gives anyone the right to judge anyone? We all know the benefits of meditation, and yet how difficult it is for some of us. People have told me to meditate for years. I haven't gotten to the point I can turn off my hyper-active brain, but some day . . . Life's too mysterious to take it that serious. Lighten up. I admire what they are doing.

I'm exploring various yoga studios in Santa Monica via email but mostly in-person visits. I had to repeatedly ask someone what would they recommend for a person who was focused on breathing, alignment and asanas? I'm quite obviously a middle-aged woman who hasn't exercised a lot. I finally was told, "Durga, but you won't get the cardio."

I replied: "Babies crawl, then walk, then run. I'm still crawling, not ready to run."

I think it's far, far worse to promote the cardio aspect of yoga without a solid foundation of breathing, alignment, and moving into and out of poses, to prevent/mitigate injury and increase enjoyment. Plus when I first got into yoga way back around 1972 (but didn't pursue it then), it was all about holding the poses, going more deeply into them. The aerobics craze hadn't hit yet.

I take another class geared for the over 50-set and I was stunned I was told and shown to hop into Warrior II. I did it, but never again. The only time I hop is on my rebounder. As my other teacher says, some feel that "jolts or shocks the system." Yep, that was my instinctive feeling. And I hated her lack of warm-up.

I have to work on issues to discuss this if the teacher calls me on the fact I'm not going to follow a great deal of what she shows us. I don't want to lose my temper. But I need to work in front of the mirror and improve my alignment. And I know I will learn something from her.

I am blessed because I found a great teacher involved with Yoga Therapy and Kripalu, who also knows other various styles of yoga. Plus I take free classes throughout town, and hold my own with some who are in great shape and obviously long-time yogis. But I'd fall flat on my keyster if I didn't have the basics and also borrow tons of books and DVDs from the library (and my home collection).

Who can begin to describe the paths I'm taking to better health, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually? Would anyone dare to criticize me because I don't fall into one style and am actually defiant in classes?

We all march to the beat of a different drummer. As long as we enjoy the journey and participate in this world by contributing, harm no one nor the environment, what's the big deal if someone does yoga hanging from trees or on a tightrope? Just as long as they don't expect me to do it, at least not yet! I want to hang from trees! Now that is a great goal.

Namaste.