date: 10/29
time: 10:00 am
instructor: Nadira
style: Yoga Techniques

This was definitely an interesting class for me. It was much more of a work out class than a flow yoga class. We did our practice to pop music, that was new to me. We did 5 minute abs that the instructor specifically said could be a cardio work out if we wanted. It was focused separate bits instead of one overall flow. I think it was a very focused practice in that each part was focused on improving one physical aspect of our bodies. In this sense the healing of this class was purely physical, focusing on improving our strength. I think most of the classes I have taken are focused on the physical improvements seen in yoga more than any other type of healing. Most instructors I've experienced focus on the body parts being effected by each move - like the one instructor who came to class and talked about certain poses massaging our kidneys and working inter-hemispheric brain connectivity. The only instructor I've had that really continuously goes into healing beyond the physical level is Steevee, who often talks about mental health healing. Steevee often emphasizes the calming effects of yoga and how yoga practice can be applied to ones mentality with acceptance and such. I think ultimately the healing experience one has with yoga comes from how they chose to apply their yoga practice. Like the man in the documentary who uses the focused nasal breathing throughout his day when he loses control of this thoughts. I personally look at yoga as a light mix of both physical and mental healing - I improve my strength and balance and flexibility with yoga, which helps me improve my confidence and assurance in myself. I also use yoga to both energize me and calm me down - I use yoga as a stress reduction and a way to feel more energetically present. Similar to what the documentary subjects saying about group therapy - I take what I want, take what I can apply to my life, and leave the rest. When an instructor gets into things I don't need or use ( usually when things get a little to spiritual) I tune it out and accept that that is what other people use in their practice, but when the instructor gives something I can use I take it with me.