Iyengar Practice

This week during John's Tuesday night 9/30/14 class we practiced something a littler bit different. Since Yoga Nine just had a work shop and he learned some Iyengar techniques,  he incorporated them into our class. Iyengar is not much of a "flow" class. There are many props (blocks, rope, the wall, etc.) used and it seems more focused on working certain parts of your body specifically in each class. In this class we utilized the wall a lot and we worked on some lunges. The movements are very controlled. It was an interesting glimpse to the Iyengar class we had on Wednesday 10/1/14 at Stockton.

Annie came in to teach us Iyengar. We were all very tightly squeezed together because we had limited wall space. This day we used all the props I previously listed as well as blankets. It was interesting to take part in Iyengar practice but I really wasn't a huge fan. With all the in class practices I feel that I am somewhat biased to not liking them because of the environment (really bright lights, cold room, cramped space, loud noises, etc.) we are in but I enjoyed our previous Bikram practice more compared to Iyengar. I thought that the class lacked focus and was a bit scattered. There were too many pauses between poses. However, I did feel like it was more of a muscle strengthening practice than cardio so I am glad to say that I was not sweaty going to my next class.

I then went to two other classes taught by Kate (I think) and she really incorporates Iyengar style in her teaching. We worked on shoulders and arms "for the week" so my shoulders grew a little sore by the end of the week. I am Iyengared out. And have come to the realization of how much I love yoga flow classes.

Yoga is definitely a ritual practice. I mentally prepare myself the day before and keep reminding myself that I have yoga at a specific time the next day. My body naturally relaxes. I remember when I first took yoga, I would take my cellphone into the class with me and just keep it on silent. When I started attending Yoga Nine, I kept my phone in the cubby. Now after a month of going, I don't even care to bring my phone with me inside. I have learned to some how unlatch myself from the outside world and even clear my mind more easily from other distractions. Being in the "yoga mind set" is definitely not the same mind set as my normal day to day thoughts. I am trying to bring the calmness and self control into my daily life but it does not always come easily. I also would like to comment that I enjoy practicing with people older than myself. I feel that I am more relaxed and comfortable and the practice is taken more seriously. When practicing in class some people feel too comfortable around their friends and talk and laugh during yoga and it distracts the silence and tranquility. I love starting class with breathing exercises or opening up my chest by lying on my back and I love ending class in shavasana. I feel that class would not be complete without these routines. I also enjoy being in the front of the room and not have to worry about looking at other people. The chanting of OHM at the end still has not fully grown on me but these are all some of my rituals I have noticed.
...I've been putting off getting a new mat to replace my 5 year or older mat, which really frustrates me because my hand slips off of them every time I practice. I really need a new mat!