The OutSPOKEn Cyclist
By Diane Jenks
If you have ever uttered the words, “Whenever I take a yoga class, I get injured,” I ask that you please read this.
First of all, that statement is an anathema to me — in fact, it’s like nails on a chalkboard. The FIRST principle of yoga philosophy is Ahimsa* – “Do No Harm*” and that means, especially, no harm to yourself. (*Ahimsa is the Sanskrit word for this principle.)
And, keeping you safe during a yoga class is absolutely as much a teacher’s responsibility as it is yours. Now, during the pandemic, with most of us teaching virtually, it’s become more important than ever.
Before each class, as we begin to get settled on the mat for a brief relaxation (Shavasana is the Sanskrit word for this), I ALWAYS ask if anyone is sick or injured. This includes ailments such as a cold, sore throat, stiff neck, back pain, or even a headache. (For women who are still menstruating, there are some other precautions; I’m making some assumptions here.)
There are a few conditions and illnesses where inversions — having your head lower than your heart — may be contraindicated. Most people know what they can and cannot do in these instances and will let me know before beginning to take classes. (There is a registration form that includes these kinds of questions, as well as a waiver.)
With the absence of you being in the room, clear, comprehensive, and simple instructions have become essential. I actually think I’ve become a much better teacher/instructor since the pandemic (one of the few upsides!), as new students log on and begin to learn the style and pace of our practice and I must guide them through effectively.
Knowing whether you are sick or injured before we begin helps me to keep a more focused eye on certain students. It also helps me to tailor the practice that day. If one person needs extra help with an issue such as a sore back or shoulder, everyone will benefit from a bit more focus on that area.
That brief period of relaxation also serves to help focus your mind, and by following your breath, you can learn to relax a bit more deeply with every exhale. In turn, you begin to notice when something doesn’t “feel” right. And, it’s in those moments that you learn to “modify” what you are doing until your body more easily approaches a “more perfect” alignment.
EXPECTATIONS & COMPETITIVENESS
There are a couple of thoughts about expectations — both of being able to do exactly what the instructor is doing, or conversely, not being able to do anything the instructor is doing.
Neither of them is valuable.
My belief is that we are all students of the practice. And on any given day, you just do what you can.
For those who find themselves very competitive — wanting to emulate what the instructor is doing, or perhaps trying to follow another student in the room — this can lead to injury and disappointment in the practice.
I also do not recommend mirrors in the room. Yoga isn’t barrè, ballet, or Pilates. Yoga is an internal practice, melding mind, body, and spirit with each movement and breath. (Although, laughing and crying are not discouraged in my classes!)
Listening to your body, pushing it only to that edge BEFORE you become uncomfortable or worse, will allow you to deepen your practice each time you come to your mat.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
This leads me to some really good news: yoga is cumulative! Each time you come to your mat to begin a practice, you will find that something that might have been difficult or even impossible, suddenly becomes easier, deeper, and more satisfying.
The goal with every practice is to leave feeling calmer, more “balanced,” and refreshed. The physical exertion will be just enough, the mental work will help you keep your mind clear and sharp, and your spirit will be peaceful and open to any opportunities and possibilities that surround you. All are welcome to try a virtual class by sending me an email at [email protected].
Namaste!
(Stay tuned for next month’s blog entry. Part II will be about modifying your practice.)
