This morning I gifted my class with new moon abundance checks, in addition to a sweet grounding practice that was ushered in by the sound of their own breathe. As we entered the studio we were greeted by a fabulous altar of deities, flowers, feathers created with love in the center of the room. Having a congested head, sore throat, a cough and difficulty breathing, I was uncertain how I would face the challenge of teaching. Post class I received some wonderful feedback from new students and a fellow teacher. Heartfelt thank you’s followed by uplifting comments; the sequencing, the pace, and the subtle alignment cues were ah-ha moments for most. But, once again I also heard thank you’s for not utilizing music.
The fast paced, competitive, sweaty, rock & roll style of yoga can be found in abundance these days. And it is without a doubt become a very popular enterprise for those seeking instant gratification in the form of calorie burn combined with a healthy dose of ego nourishment.
Six years ago, I converted from an Ashtanga practice that I adored; after receiving a consult from my Ayurvedic practitioner. Every Tuesday afternoon for 2 plus years like clockwork, I arrived to partake of the sweaty, deep study and discipline that is the Ashtanga Primary Series. It satisfied a great need for me. I learned how to link breathe with movement, the invocation awoke a deep sense of divine connection and devotion, allowing me to fully awaken to my potential. For the first time in my yoga studies I developed a regular home practice due to these teachings. The therapeutic effects of this practice always left me feeling deeply cleansed, physically and emotionally. The inner heat generated from this practice however was creating a variety of inflammatory issues within my Pitta constitution. As detoxifying as it was, it was not addressing the inner needs of my being in a balanced way and my Ayurvedic practitioner kindly brought that to my attention.
The last 12 years of practicing yoga has taught me an abundance of things. Studying and partaking of many different styles over the years, I find that I learn more from the practice of yoga when teachers can set aside the use of music. The instructions can be understood more clearly, reducing the risk of injury to the practitioner, allowing them space to drop inside themselves. The distraction and the over stimulation of incorporating music seems to be a topic that continues to resurface with my students. The best classes I have ever engaged in, did not incorporate music. The 200-hrs of teacher training I engaged in did not utilize music. The music is within, within the breathe, within the vibrations of synchronized voices chanting OM, within the sacred invocations and mantras.
I choose to teach without added distractions as a way of simply honoring the tradition and the foundation of yoga sadhana. So many of us on this planet are feeling over stimulated in our daily lives. As we walk into a yoga class and step onto our mats, each of us have a unique need to find balance in our lives, healing in our bodies, while connecting to the essence of joy within our hearts.
My highest desire as a teacher is to be of service to my community, to be there guide, to offer my knowledge and experience in a variety of ways. To help each student dive deeper into the process of listening, reflection, non-judgement, and ultimate freedom within their own lives. It’s an honor and a pleasure to learn from my students and this life long practice we call yoga.
