week #7

Just as any exercise, yoga is considered to be a healing mechanism for many people. You can tell this is so when you first enter the class and you see people begin to meditate before practicing. In my opinion, any time you do any type of physical engagement, this is a healing process. You are focusing only on physical aspect of your body, rather than letting your mind wander and worry. Working out (yoga or not), cleanses the mind.
This sense of healing for yoga is more prominent than in any other physical activities. There is a huge connotation with yoga that it will help you 'get your mind right'. I feel like many of the instructors base their classes off of this actually. They want people to to feel amazing, relaxed, and stress free after their classes. I feel this way because in class I often hear the teacher says phrases like "now wash all your worries away," "clear your mind," "remove all negativity from your life". You do not hear phrases like this when you are doing any other type of sport. I believe the calm atmosphere and how the teacher teaches can really benefit you and improve your class experience. When there is a super calm vibe in the room and my teacher says cues to calm me, i feel like when i leave the class i feel so peaceful and care-free. I am in a good mood the entire day and I do not worry as much. For someone like me who constantly has anxiety, yoga is definitely a great healing mechanism and helps me feel normal again throughout the day.

week 6

Week 6

There is absolutely a sense of community in a yoga space. Everybody in the class is there to get the most out of it. Everyone has a sense of inner-peace or self realization. It is not like a gym where there are cliques or intimidation, everyone is accepting. I believe the purpose of this sense of community really helps people practice better. They are not worried about being judged because of the comfort level in the class and the studio as well. Creating a community in the studio can be a promotional device as well. When students leave the class, they feel so accepted and whole obviously they are going to discuss it with their friends. Word of mouth is a great way to get people to come into the studio because outsiders will have a desire to be apart of the community.

When i first began i did feel intimidated by everyone around me in the studio and the class. but as i continue to take classes and gain a little bit of experience, i feel more welcomed and accepted into the community. it is a nice feeling going into a space and not feeling judged about how advanced you are or how well you preform.

Week 4

I believe yoga is framed as sooooo much more than exercise. We saw in the films we have watched that yoga is a religion in some parts of the world. But as for the US, i feel it is a type of exercise with additional spiritual benefits. Yoga-lovers of the united states say that yoga will open your third eye (a common phrase i hear in the classes, yet i still do not know what they even mean by that). i have even heard that you should feel spiritually connected to mother nature. the instructors use phrases such as 'self realization' or 'self empowerment', to get you  to feel present, and in the moment.  i asked a woman after class how she felt about self-empowerment and yoga. she told me that yoga will help you find self-love and happiness, and from that you will bring happiness and love into your personal relationships. The instructors and people in the classes all claim that the practice of yoga will make you feel magical ways (all in addition to it getting you in shape), which i believe is why so many people do it.

You never a marathon runner or a zumba dancer making these extreme claims about their sport. i think a lot of people choose to practice yoga as their form of exercise as opposed to running because it is a very calm form of exercise. think about running or even weight lifting, there is a lot of effort and exertion involved--it is very intense. not that yoga cannot be intense, but it is way more calming. you are in a relaxing, serene enviroment. the point is that yoga can help you work out without feeling like you are actually being active--and the claims of the benefits made also convinces people to practice it.  

Week #2

Week #2 : Sacred Space

As you enter the room where you will be practicing yoga, there is always a very calm atmosphere. Usually upon entry, there is very relaxing music playing (it sorta reminds me of the music that plays in the background when you get a massage LOL). They place this music throughout the class and it really helps you stay calm and melt into your mind. The decorations I have noticed are very hindu-like. If there is wall decor, it is usually a budha or a lotus. I one time took a class in South Carolina and I noticed they had a wind chime hanging and that was soothing. The space is usually big and open. 

When you walk in, nobody is talking. I feel like everybody is trying to relax and get into their zone. They are all usually stretching or sitting with their legs crossed. I feel rude if I begin a conversation, because i do not want to be disruptive. I try to fit in by laying down with my eyes shut until the instructor begins.

I feel like the environment of the rooms are extremely important. If it is very relaxation, the entire class will be a better experience.