Focus On: Sonic Yoga
I had featured sonic yoga back in 2008. Back then I had thought it was a little too focussed on the asana, and not enough on the mediative qualities of yoga. Recently, I went back for an inversion workshop with Lori, and noticed they’ve been busy. First are the obvious changes, they’ve added a whole new floor to their studio. This means not only another studio but also another changing area. They’ve also updated their decor, the eastern (primarily Buddhist) influence is prominent. But don’t worry, they still have the cushy couches. And still, no first timers special, just discounts on membership if you do sign up.
The new space is well done, it looks pretty similar to the original space in terms of flooring, size, and layout, in fact had I not known I would have thought I was in the same studio. Second, and the most important part, the practice. Last time I had come, I was not expecting as many inversions as I got, as I recall it was a bit overwhelming for me. Practically two years later here I was, LOOKING for inversions, figuring this was possibly the best place to learn. And it was. This time around the class was not overwhelming, it was equal parts asana, bandha and inversion. Instead we explored our internal energies and how to engage them, and how their engagement is essential to finding the plumb line. The delicious equilibrium you feel when everything is aligned the way it should be, and it happens rare enough for me that I still get fearfully ecstatic every time I accidentally stumble upon it.
The workshop added a whole new dimension to my practice. And it seems like every class since then has built off of its foundation. And no while I did not master the handstand, forearm stand, or my wobbly headstand, I feel like both my mind and body got just that little bit better.
