I began taking yoga in 2001, and immediately fell in love with the profound peace that the practice provided. I soon discovered that my mind and body craved this experience as often as possible, and that this wonderful adventure spilled over into my work, home, and relationships. People began to observe a transformation about me both physically and emotionally, and all in positive ways.
Originally, in the ‘good old days’ yoga was practiced without incense, music, or chic yoga togs. I practiced yoga with discipline, and then eventually began teaching yoga to share calm, tranquility, and peace. I was not into the yoga “scene”. I just relished the opportunity to be quiet and mindful, to slow down for an hour and half as often per week as possible. Classes emphasized moving slowly, mindful of each micromovement that made up each asana. We lingered in the poses, as we allowed our bodies to settle in to the point where we no longer were doing the pose, but being the pose. We came to practice even though the poses were sometimes challenging, we left feeling a little smoother, a little quieter, a little happier than when we arrived.
Soon yoga practice and yoga teaching began to evolve. It picked up the pace in order to fit into busy Western culture. Things sped up, we turned up the volume, we turned up the heat, we turned up the fashion quotient, and Savasana, once a 10-15 minute respite, was reduced to 5 minutes or less, an afterthought.
I am thrilled that yoga has gotten the widespread recognition that it deserves, but I want to preserve the simplicity of the ‘good old days’. I love presenting slow-paced classes with gentle music allowing practitioners to hear the sound of their collective breathing, amidst comfortable temperatures, dressed in clothes for comfort not style. For me, yoga is not about burning calories, sweating or getting my buttocks kicked!!! That already happens in life, as most of us are overstimulated, over committed, and overly distracted. For me, yoga practice and yoga teaching, are times to replenish and relax my edgy nervous system. Yes, I admit it, I teach from my own practice, and although I touch a much smaller population than the mainstream loud, fast, kick-buttocks style attracts, there are still many people who, like me, crave calm, quiet, non-competitive practice.
I teach old school yoga because that is the yoga that I love. It is my passion. My simple, slow-paced practice never fails to clear my mind and body, to make me feel calm, clean, energetic and easeful. It sets me up to meet my days with a deep core of peace and clarity. As for fast paced exercise, heat, and sweat, well, I get that with my walks and hikes, as well as the side benefit of being with nature!!!—Namaste’, Deb
I cannot say enough about the quality of classes at this studio. Personally as age takes its toll, i am forever grateful to have improved my balance and found a quiet peacefulness in pursuing this practice.
Old school yoga? I’m not too sure that I have a legitimate reference point on that subject. excepting that what I have experienced in your classes leads me to believe that it is a fine thing. I am grateful for the growth opportunity that the classes have facilitated for me. There is much room for me to grow and much to practice. Thank you for the experience.
Chuck
Some things are meant to be contemplated and absorbed – at your own pace. Yoga is certainly one of those things. Your respect for the traditions of Yoga as manifested in your approach to teaching is the main reason I have been a devoted student for almost 7 years. I know that some prefer the gym mentality of “yogasize”, but they are missing the essence of the practice. Some time ago, someone suggested “speed golf” so you could get a around in faster, missing the intrinsic value of time on the course. Well, “speed Yoga” makes about as much sense to me as speed golf. Slow down, absorb the moment – that is the most important value you have instilled in me and I am most grateful.
Thanks so much Linda!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Awesome post. As a long time student of yours (6+ years), I couldn’t agree with you more. Love the way you teach yoga and run your classes.
Thanks so much Yogi Jeff!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Long live “old school yoga,” and long live Yoga for Life! Thanks, Deb, for
offering the kind of yoga that resonates with me deeply!
Thanks so much for the thoughtful comments Linda!!!—Namaste’, Deb
Deb,
I love what you have written. I hear from students all the time how much they enjoy your classes.
We all have a different style of teaching; however, you and I are on a similar path — we both teach without the need to kick backsides. Why? Because when you are paying attention to your practice and your body you will work very hard; I believe that stems from the attention and intention you place on your effort.
Thank you for sharing,
Leslie
Instructor, Yoga for Life
Thanks Leslie, as a fellow instructor, I value your comments greatly!!!—Namaste’, Deb