Heart Full

I’ve known for awhile I wanted to do more teacher training. I had such an incredible experience during my 200 hour teacher training that frankly I wanted to go right into 300 hours after graduation. But upon further reflection I decided to wait. I wanted to develop my own practice and feel some sense of grounding as a teacher. We also absorbed so much material in such an intense amount of time that I needed some space to fully bake. I had considered several schools, and even went so far as to speak to several program directors, but it didn’t feel quite right. Something at the back of my head kept telling me to wait. After some discussion with my husband I decided that this year, was the year. It wasn’t an easy decision, as I’m sure everyone embarking on extended training soon encounters there are so many “buts”, questions and doubts. Would we be able to afford it? How much time would I have left for my family between my husband’s school, this training, my job, and the handful of classes I already teach?  Was I tempting fate a little too much, asking for the inevitable collapse? Maybe. Yet, after this weekend full of classes, teaching, and multiple balancing acts between home, work and yoga. I think maybe I’ve managed to find just the right union between all three, and I’ve never felt so energized. I can hardly wait.

Michael was the first person I met at YogaVida, which isn’t surprising since he’s often behind the desk greeting each practitioner.  But what is surprising is his warmth and smile. It seems genuine, the kind that you can’t rehearse or “fake”, but an actual warmth that’s coming from somewhere good. I think it was that warmth that sold me on the studio, and ultimately what keeps bringing me back.

NYC: When did you start yoga?

Michael: About 4-5 years ago, closer to 4.

NYC: What brought you to yoga?

Michael: A friend. I was drawn by how it was presented, everything was suggestive…open.

NYC: Where was your first class?

Michael: (big smile) Costa Rica! But the first place I started doing yoga was at Yoga to the People, that’s where I met Hilaria.

NYC: What benefits do you feel yoga has brought to your life?

Michael: Balance. I feel like I have more to offer people now.

NYC: So .. do you miss your old job in finance, the stability and structure? I mean .. that would be one of my biggest fears if I ever left my job…?

Michael: Yes! (smile / laugh)  And I’m still getting over it. But I’m happier now that I ever was.

And it shows. Really.

There are a million reasons why I envy Park Slope — most of them have to do with the charm that oozes from just about every crevice of the neighborhood, now I have another reason, Park Slope Yoga. Park Slope Yoga has been a neighborhood staple for over 10 years, and based on the turnout I saw, it has many more years ahead. My friend Yadana had worked there as a deskie, and (apparently) muralist. Just about all the paintings gracing this studio are her handiwork, and they certainly add to the lively texture of the place.

We had come on NYE hoping to catch Robin’s 4pm class. We were disappointed to learn that she wasn’t teaching her class — there was a sub. Having already traversed enormous public transportation obstacles to get there (read Blizzard) we weren’t going to turn back. The class turned out to be surprisingly good. Surprised because we weren’t sure what to expect — subs can be tricky, but she (Jessica) was very good. She took us in stride — it was a basics class and she seamlessly offered more advanced options, but kept the pace steady allowing beginners and more experienced practitioners to stay in sync. Overall it was a lovely class, a great mix, with clear direction.

Park Slope Yoga is actually comprised of 2 studios — Vinyasa Yoga Center (792 Union St.) and another just across the street called “Devi”. We only visited the VYC for this trip, but I’m looking forward to trying out Devi. What I really liked about the studio — besides the entrancing murals, and the calm whimsical feel was their use of plants and light in the main studio. I think the plants just made it breathe better, and the natural light added a rare kind of serenity. The lounge area was spacious, even the changing rooms (if you can believe it) weren’t cramped. A very positive experience for my first go, looking forward to Devi.

My friend Tsam — my partner and cheerleader for trying out new activities, noticed a great discount for Aerial Yoga on Lifebooker. Intrigued we booked. And it kicked our ass. Seriously. I guess I got use to yoga’s more mindful approach to new things, like new poses or poses that just scare us. In aerial yoga, our instructor Cody demos the sequence she wants you to try (while hanging upside down), smiles and lets you have at it. In our first class there was about 3 of sharing the same “silk” so you couldn’t dilly dally too long, wrestling with your fear to hoist yourself up and over, you had to go about getting it done. But once you’ve conquered it the world is your oyster. Your body sighs in relieved joy as it’s finally not supporting you, gravity and this enormous silk drape is. You can actually feel your spine expand as you just let go and hang out. But it’s not all rest and relaxation. No. The silk is about 25 or so feet high, and you’re expected to gracefully climb it. You see, you don’t just swing around at the bottom, you actually have to climb up the silk, pose/ dangle, fall down the silk a little more and dangle. I looked something like a lose branch from a tree, just about to fall but somehow not. Still, it’s fun, it’s exhilarating, the silks will make you feel graceful even if you have a ratty tank and just realized there are holes in unspeakable places. Trust me. Plus, your abs, they’ve never worked like this before, and they’ll never want to again. But you will. Promise.