AUGUST 15, 2009 -- Though I am not a sommelier, I am a woman who knows a few things about wine. In my exploration of yoga, I realized the two have something in common. What makes them great is you.
A true sommelier will let you be the judge of a great wine—since every palette is different. It’s not easy. Sipping Chenin Blanc and trying a new Pinot wasn’t exactly taxing. But to gain experience in anything, you have to find where your tastes live. Same with yoga.
It’s wise to try on many different studios, classes and instructors. Currently, I’m doing a “flight” of the instructors at The Little Yoga Studio. Owner Maria Camacho strives to create more than a studio. “We create a community,” she says. “Students and teachers are nice, caring and eager to introduce one another.”
Camacho says the community comes first, and the business comes second.
That’s been my observation. Lead instructor and staffing consultant Bonnie Saldivar Jones has helped relax, invigorate and empower me to escape my stress hangover.
She doesn’t want to be my guru, and cautions students against instructors who do. She believes yoga provides the tools to help heal ourselves.
“It may not happen in 60 minutes, but you will add to your tool kit of self help,” says Jones. She encourages students to try various instructors.
Here are a few notes to consider while you look for your own varietal of yoga:
1) While you’re learning the poses, leave the front of the room for the more experienced.
2) Don’t compare your practice to someone else’s. As long as you are breathing, relaxed and feeling, you’re on your way.
3) Check the rating level of each class. Levels 2 and 3 are for students who know their bodies and limitations.
4) Ashtanga, Vinyasa or Bikram? The first two fall under the umbrella of Hatha Yoga. Ashtanga is the traditional form and can be considered more dogmatic. Vinyasa is a newer derivative. Both focus on linking breath to movement. Bikram is practiced at a minimum of 95 degrees. As such, it is often called “hot yoga.”
All the styles are best taught in comfortably warm temperatures—to prevent cramping during deep poses. The difference is the sequence of poses. Bikram is very structured; Hatha is flowing and evolving.
I’m going to keep trying other studios. Jones has decanted me, but I’m sure I’ll continue to study with her. She’s a vintage Pinot.
Cheers, and namaste.