I’ve been going to Prana Power Yoga in Union Square for a little over a year now. I probably frequent it more than any other studio- it has a convenient location and schedule, it offers a consistent (though often predictable) class, and the classes usually attract a decent sized crowd. Tonight I went to Julia’s 7:30- she’s been appearing on the schedule more and more these days and I’m beginning to enjoy her class more and more.
Tonight she posed a real challenge- . As experienced yogis, it isn’t uncommon that we begin to anticipate the next pose. Very much a reflection of how we spend our daily lives, we begin to act on the impulse of moving quickly through our chores, our “have tos.” Yoga is certainly not a “have to” but a “want to.” However it challenges us just the same. The difference in yoga is this: the goal is not to juggle a million disparate tasks or get through an assignment quickly- rather, yoga’s challenge is to simply stop. We hear it often but we rarely are able to accomplish it -live in the present moment and accept what we’re doing here and now.
What made class different from others she’s led was that she had us hold each individual pose for far longer (seriously longer) than her usual sequence demanded. Without the usual measurement of a few breaths per pose – I was unable to think about what came next. Instead I tried my best to settle in, breathe, and oh yes, smile (despite my trembling legs).
Needless to say I left feeling like Jell-O, but it was oh so good.
I appreciated this class after a long Monday back in front of the computer because it made me feel a level of intensity that made me let go of my thoughts (the usual, what am I gonna eat for dinner after class)
Simply said- to feel the intensity of the postures is perhaps uncomfortable, but still wonderful- because you are feeling!
Note: Prana Power Yoga leads vinyasa yoga in a heated room (generally 95F)- a great workout- crunches in every class. Classes are generally more or less the same routine- never without eagle or pigeon and some serious sweating-that’s for sure!
-Eliza
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