Inspiration: To continue to venture outside of my neighborhood, regardless what the weather is doing.
Greetings. It it the day after Christmas and my ex-husbands birthday. Truth be told, this is the first year that I really didn't curse him and actually wished him a happy birthday (silently of course). A year of growth for me, right? So what does this have to do with this post? Absolutely nothing.....
Anyway, today is a rather snowy day here in the Big Apple. They are expecting nearly 16 inches by this time tomorrow evening. For the most part, I canceled most of my appointments tomorrow because travel can become "complicated." A good day for reflection , introspection and some kindness.
Well for some reason today, I decided I need to take a yoga class full of chanting, breathing and devotion. What better place than Jivamukti yoga in Union Square. A place I had practiced much prior, but the devotion (and cultish attitudes) began to get on my nerves. Sometimes, it is just nice to flow and not think so much. So today, I ventured down in this winter wonderland at 3pm to try out a teacher who had been in my trajectory (or list of teachers to experience) for a while.
Class started out will oming and a call and response. The warm-up consisted of about one minute of do whatever you want. Within five minutes we were attempting handstand in the middle of the room. The standing series was short, and we were at the wall for most of the class going upside down and doing hip opening poses. Sounds like fun right? Not really. The instructors voice ( a she) was speaking via microphone in a tone reminiscent of performing. Performing for who? I just needed to have a decent class, flow, structure and mediation. Is that too much to ask for?
If I am complaining, I really don't mean to as complaining is a negative energy. I was just a bit disappointed as was hoping for a better experience being I traveled downtown and crosstown. However, the healing benefits of a yoga practice always shine through. I am calmer and more in my body. Ready for anything to happen, or not. Sounds good. :-)
What did you do on this "magical" wintry day ? Hopefully something divine.:)
Wishing you all a very "peaceful" evening.
With Love, Denise
Jivamukti Yoga invites a superficial environment that attracts groupies and insecure people. I do like the fact that they advocate for a vegan diet which is healthier for the person and kind for animals. However, some employees blantly display leather items on their person and there are fur coats hanging on the coat rack. While they promote non-violence, the manager and some staff were aggressive toward me on one occasion. You can find better yoga and better ethics elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. Yes, here in NYC there are a multitude of yoga studios and practices. On this particular snowy day, what I really needed was just some plain old chanting and breathing. Most studios do not have both components in class. :)
ReplyDeleteThe yoga at this Center is very good and the best thusfar that I have found in NYC. Check this one out:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ramakrishnananda.com/