Week 2

What makes your practice space a "sacred space"? Consider the sounds, decorations, rules, behaviors and other aspects of the practice space that create an opportunity for ritual experience.


     For this week's practice, I tried Hatha style yoga. I found out from my Aunt who does yoga, that in my hometown the local library offers yoga classes, so I decided to check out Cece Brandt's class. The classroom was in a large open room in the basement of the library, decorated with white christmas lights, a singing bowl, and carpeting. When I first talked to the instructor before the start of the class, I explained how I was a student looking to better understand yoga as a whole. She was not only very helpful, but also excited to hear about the college course. She explained to me what I had already learned from this semester: Hatha yoga includes more forced poses, and that she would offer modified versions of poses, or asanas, if needed. She handed me a strap and a block, and I rolled out my mat, bracing for what was to come.

     Ironically enough, I noticed a client of mine (I'm a massage therapist) present in this class; the same client I have been suggesting yoga to for her tight back since I've known her. She had mentioned recently how she found a great yoga class she's been taking, and here I was not knowing where, and ending up in the same class with her! All together, there was maybe 20 of us twisting our spines in synchrony. Needless to say, overall I enjoyed Hatha. Some poses were difficult, but that was the power behind it. I felt awesome being able to hold such crazy asanas.
     
     I was curious how my sacred space would feel, being in a more crowded room. Honestly, the smell of feet was overwhelming. I wasn't sure if I was going to able to focus on anything passed that. As mentioned before, the christmas lights was a nice touch. As a way to cleanse the room, she used a singing bowl, which seemed to help; visualization tactic or not. What also was welcoming about this class was the instructor's more lax way of teaching. She walked around the room, guiding students as needed, but overall, I felt like we had our own say in what pose felt right. It truly felt like our own personal space, even though the class was larger than last week's. 

     I can't say for sure which class I like more thus far. I would like to revisit both classes just to see if I have made improvement. In the meantime, I'm going to look into other types, or modalities, of yoga available for me to try out next!