YOGA DVDs

Regularly I’m asked to make instructional DVDs. I prefer to deliver in person. Why be such a stickler? What can a student get from attending a class in person that he can’t get from a yoga DVD, or a subscription to pre-recorded yoga classes?

1.   Relationship. A defining difference in the effectiveness of a yoga practice is the relationship you have with your teacher—me. Studies show that the students’ practice is more beneficial to them with the teacher present. I build and maintain a safe space for students, supporting them in their every endeavour. Each class is an opportunity for student and teacher to relate to each other. Learning thrives through this alliance.

2.   Supervision. The teacher monitors a student’s proper form and course-corrects. I know my student’s history, which enables me to guide his continuing growth. I answer questions in the moment, in context. In our practice, many of you show up, year after year. Within this context, I can observe and track your progress to best support you.

3.   Modification. A student may encounter discomfort in a pose, and the teacher can catch it and guide him to respond immediately with the right modification.

4.   Emotional Attunement. When an emotion crops up during practice, especially a yucky emotion, some practitioners do not know how to handle it. When I’m right there to catch, validate and empathize with it, I can facilitate the student to move through the challenge easily.

5.   Community. According to the Harvard Longevity study, being in community is the Number One indicator for longevity. More so than genetics, lifestyle choices, even outlook. In a room with a diverse range of body types, shapes and abilities, it’s validating to see how a pose easy for one person may be challenging to another. In this witnessing practice, practitioners grow toward acceptance. They celebrate one another’s uniqueness and create space for other perspectives.

6.   Competitiveness takes a break. What a relief! Imagine: tension leaving. And the relaxed body…does the best work.

7.   Customization. Knowledge is helpful when applied properly. I customize the class for participants. Like every breath, or every snowflake, or every jazz solo, there has never been a class quite like this one, nor will there be another again. I cherish this in-the-moment magic.  

One Sunday after my service class, a student came up to me, took my hand and said warmly, “I’ve been trying to figure out for a while now why your classes feel so different. I’m thinking, ‘She doesn’t need to come here; she probably makes a very good living. Yet here she is, every Sunday. For years. Why?’ I couldn’t think of a reason other than that…you love us! You’re committed to us!”

I do! I am!