I came to New York City at 18 to attend NYU. At the time I had absolutely no experience with yoga. This quickly changed when I met my freshmen roommate Britt. Not only did Britt practice yoga at 18 but she had been practicing since childhood. Our Freshmen year she practiced daily at Jivamukti while I was stuck on an elliptical at NYU’s Cole’s Sports Center, a depressing windowless gym with old and limited exercise machines. It wasn’t long until my curiosity piqued and off I went with her. I have to admit I didn’t even know what down dog was and I remember being very nervous- I felt uncomfortable and I looked at the clock throughout the entirety of the practice. And to tell the truth, I didn’t like it. At the time an hour and a half felt too long, the poses seemed too difficult- I felt frustrated that I was not yet strong enough to chaturanga, and I couldn’t seem to stay focused. I thought I had given it a try and it wasn’t for me.
It wasn’t until stress of school caught up to me that I tried again. At the time I was living in the West Village- I began attending Jivamukti West (since closed) and occasionally hopping on the 1 train to go to Yoga Works Westside studio uptown. I was so in need of something in my life that could refresh me and de-stress me. It was only then at the height of this need that I was able to give in to yoga. I quieted my mind and stopped thinking about it – I started doing it instead. The second time around I was able to be less judgmental about yoga and about my own abilities. I became more relaxed, at ease and open with my practice. I realized how this was the most and perhaps only place in the world that I felt an absence of competition. Competition for my time, my attention, competitive with myself or with the people around me. This was bliss! Since this time (2005) I’ve developed a stronger practice, Jivamukti West closed, and my favorite instructor at the Yoga Works Westside changed studios.
And now, I’m on a continuous quest to find the best New York City studios that challenge both physically and mentally so I can strengthen and grow my practice and share with you all. My evaluations will be based on studio location, atmosphere, schedule, teacher and community vibe. I also take my fitness quite seriously and I am a strong believer that a rigorous yoga practice solves both problems with the mind and body so I will also focus on the level of intensity and rigor at the various studios. I encourage all readers to actively contribute your own point of views if you agree, disagree or have any questions.
Namaste!
Eliza
Om La La Yoga Blog 