I've been practicing hot yoga (Bikram and Moksha), for over 11 years now. In just over a decade, I have noticed some amazing things not only in myself, but in those around me, nearly every time I enter a yoga studio or gym. It truly surprises me that such a gentle, expressive form of exercise has turned into a competition for the ego.
Let me explain: A few weeks ago, I attended a class that was jam-packed with at least 35 people, in a room cranked up to 105 degrees. I wish I could've taken a picture in that sweaty room--you should've seen every single one of these people's faces. I know a little bit about body language, and not one person I laid eyes on appeared comfortable in their own skin. I saw such intense focus on these faces. I saw strain instead of satisfaction. All of these bodies were fighting through challenging postures, instead of melting into them.
So, for all the yogis out there, I have some disclaimers for you. Here goes:
Yoga isn’t about our lifestyle, our beliefs, our weight, our diet, our flexibility, how spiritual or enlightened we are--yoga is just about showing up and doing our dance on our mats. Yoga doesn't care if you show up cranky or exhausted. Yoga doesn't care how much money you have, what house you live in, what car you drive. Yoga is just happy you show up.
One of my favorite yoga instructors of all time, Danny Noel, is proof-positive that you can give an inspiring, uplifting and challenging class that caters to every BODY in the room. His soft delivery, his perfect sequencing, his words of encouragement, his very soul--make him a gentle force to be reckoned with. In the last few years alone, I have only attended his classes called, 'Moksha Flow'; a 75 minute series that shifts from one asana (posture) to another, seamlessly and fluidly. I love how graceful and malleable I feel leaving the studio after one his sessions. The world is lucky to have this man in existence. I kid you not--11 years ago, when I first started my journey into hot yoga, HE was the man that made it so appealing and addictive. Truly, I thank G-d for him.
I don't teach hot yoga, but I do teach Hatha and Ashtanga quite regularly. Even in these classes, where heat is not a factor, people come into the room looking depressed, angry and pent up with stress. It is so evident, that every time I lead a yoga class, half the room isn't even IN THE ROOM. They are preoccupied with their routines, kids, schedules, commitments. I always wonder when I look at each individual face: Why are you here? What are you hoping to achieve today?
Yoga doesn't care what your hair looks like. Yoga doesn't care if you smoke cigarettes or drink whiskey. Yoga doesn't care what religion you believe in. Yoga doesn't care if you wear Lululemon or Spiritual Gangster. Yoga is just happy that you've taken an hour (on average) out of your day to focus on what your body truly needs--to be at peace, to be calmer, quieter, saner. Your body is craving deep inhales and exhales. Your body is asking you to focus inwardly, not outwardly. And you must obey.
And now, to be blunt: If you're coming into a yoga studio expecting the teacher to light a fire beneath you, to make you feel better and inspire you, that's one thing. But if, during your entire practice, you cannot turn the corners of your mouth up even once to crack a smile, I really feel sorry for you. Because YOGA IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE SERIOUS. You're meant to be light, you're meant to feel limber and lithe, and then feel luminous afterwards. What's the point of even entering the room, if you're going to walk out just as miserable and heavy as when you walked in?
And so, to all the dedicated yogis: Think really hard. Why do you practice yoga? Answer honestly. And don't be afraid to dig deep.
There is something to be learned and taken from every yoga class and experience. Whatever your experience is in any yoga class, the important thing to remember is to have fun, laugh and don't take it too seriously. The world is full of chaos. Don't bring it into the studio with you. Leave your gripes, your worries and your troubles at the door, would you? My theory: Come into the room feeling light, and leave it feeling lighter.
Peace. And, Namaste...
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