Heart Full

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.

I first discovered Lori’s class at New York Yoga, her classes were challenging, and encouraged a sense of exploration in the students. And like kids we did explore in her class, new poses, and  techniques that maybe we were afraid to in other classes. I’m delighted that her teaching has branched out to not just NYY but Sonic, and now Kula in Williamsburg. It means I may finally get to take one of her classes again. This time, I caught up with her after her invigorating Inversion workshop at the newly renovated Sonic.

NYC Yogini: So when did you start Yoga?

Lori: I started when I was 18 while I was in college.

NYC Yogini: What brought you to yoga?

Lori: I have a background in dance and gymnastics so the movements were natural to me. I was also raised without religion, so I’ve always been a truth seeker. I found myself drawn to eastern philosophies and religions, and started learning more about them.

NYC Yogini: And how would you describe your class?

Lori: Sweaty, juicy, flow with creative sequences and an emphasis on alignment.

NYC Yogini: So do you have a particular pose you’re working on now?

Lori: ALL of them! Really, so many of them. (I secretly find this hard to believe, if you’ve ever seen her in class you’d understand that she seems like she can do ALL of them). OK (playfully) you want to know my kryptonite? Padmasana (Lotus).

NYC Yogini: REALLY? (eye-brow raising incredulity)

Lori: Truly. I’ve been trying for years. And I dunno … my hips they just don’t open that way. I’m always working on it though, so maybe one day!

NYC Yogini: How about a favorite studio? One you DON’T teach at?

Lori: Hmmm well…I technically don’t teach a Kula Tribecca. (smile)

Voted by Citysearch as the best yoga studio in New York City since 2005, Sonic Yoga. I’ve been studying this yoga studio for some time, it offers an incredibly competitive membership price, including such tempting offers as 3 months unlimited for $180, well reviewed workshops, and a couple NYY teachers all at Sonic, it was almost too good to be true.

I arrived early, believing I’d have a harder time finding it than I did, but Google Maps can fix even the most hopelessly directionally challenged. I took in the small boutique, spacious couches, and soft water fall, I liked it. As I settled into the couch I noticed that the door to the studio was glass, how novel. I had begun to believe observing yoga classes was discouraged, (and the jury is still out) I was given a glimpse to an impressive space. Clean, long wooden planks, with soft natural light touching all corners. I liked the curtain motif at the front of the room, but secretly believe…Laughing Lotus has perfected the curtain art.

As time for my class approached, I had the luxury of watching the incoming students. And as they grew in number so did my anxiety. There was only one other girl there who didn’t seem to know anyone, and was questioned assertively on her yoga experience, “could it be that advanced?”, I wondered, “…this wasn’t an ashram … could it be so different  from the other yoga studios I’d been to”? It was. I looked around, and increasingly noticed all the other students knew each other, and not just a little bit, but well. I hadn’t seen this level of familiarity since my teenage years and-20-lbs-younger dancer days. These girls had spent a lot of time together, a retreat?

It wasn’t just the students either, but also the teacher. She spoke to them with such easy familiarity, it became painfully clear that I was odd man out. And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. She reveals we’ll be doing partner yoga … later. Great. Middle school no-lunch-table-to-sit-at memories taunted me, “just wait” they said, “when the time comes, no one will be your partner”. Nice.
(more…)