It’s no secret that I am a huge proponent of gentle yoga. It
is the style of yoga I teach, and it’s been the primary style of yoga I’ve practiced for
the past several years. Yet lately, I’ve been sneaking into some
hot yoga classes. Why sneaking? Maybe because I am so outspoken
about how we all need to slow down, and how for the most part, I suspect it's gentle, not power yoga,
that our fast-paced culture needs.
I still feel that most everyone is on overload with
DOING and really struggling with time to simply BE. But there are times in life
when we slow down, through conscious choice or not, and a more rigorous
practice can help get our mental and physical energy flowing.
I’ve been spending much time in meditation and off
electronics lately. I’ve been reading fiction. I’ve been trying to stop
multi-tasking. Between clients and classes,
I’ve set an intention to be more still. I’ve noticed that stillness has
energizing qualities, and I’m getting more done than I had when I was trying to
pack too much into life.
From this quieter and more mindful space, I noticed a
yearning for increased physical movement, something that would compliment my
current state of being. Though hot yoga has not called to me for years, I
answered the call and have found the increased pace in the studio has allowed
me to maintain the decreased pace in my life.
This may sound counterintuitive, but not when viewed through
the lens of balance. We all crave equilibrium. Hectic lives with no space for deep breathing
need that breathing space. Lives with much time spent in stillness thrive on an
increased pace.
This experience has taught me a valuable lesson – yoga is
not a one-style-per-person modality. Our lives are constantly changing, so why
shouldn’t our yoga practices? When the pace of my life increases, and it will,
I will likely choose a slower, gentler practice again. The key is to listen in
carefully to the unique needs of your physical self, depending on your current
schedule, and to not be attached to any one kind of yoga.
