Yoga in Practice: In Search of the Perfect Yoga - Part 2

This is a continuation of answers to some very "interesting" statements about Yoga and its many styles. Please don't take the statements in quotations too seriously; let's hope these answers will open minds.

"Mine is the best Yoga style and all others are inferior."

Many students make this claim and I "set them straight," right away. If you are getting a lot out of your Yoga practice, don't be so quick to "put down" other styles of Yoga. It is ironic when people practice something that literally means "unity," and then they let the ego get in the way.

Shouldn't we just be happy that someone else is trying, or practicing, Yoga - instead of sitting on the couch? If you are a Yoga teacher, do not encourage this kind of thinking. Yoga teachers are very often familiar with many styles of Yoga, so we should know better.

If you are a student, please open your mind by trying other styles of Yoga. You will find more treasure each time you visit a different Yoga class. Always come back to your root practice, and teacher, but leave your mind open.

"Are seniors really getting anything out of Chair Yoga?"

The very first person who said this to me is now a Chair Yoga teacher. You can imagine the convincing I had to do, including her participation in Chair Yoga classes. The energy, and enthusiasm, within Yoga classes with seniors, is priceless and contagious. Some participants feel improvements right away, and their attendance to Yoga classes is much more regular than any other age group.

Chair Yoga is not only for seniors but for those who are wheelchair bound, in physical rehabilitation, or going through a healing process. The positive results of Chair Yoga practice are quite dramatic. Anyone who witnesses the healing effect of Chair Yoga practice is an instant believer.

For me, Chair Yoga is a God given gift that I happily pass on, and it improves everyone's health in the process. Anything this good should not be kept a secret.

"If you need to use props, you are a beginner."

Absolutely Wrong! Your style may not use props, and you may not know how to use them, but props do help with alignment. Most of us mere mortals do not have perfect bodies, so a prop can make a tremendous difference with alignment.

If you want to know more about props, visit an Iyengar Yoga, Restorative Yoga, or Kali Ray Tri Yoga class. There are also a number of books, and a few videos, available. The guidance of a compassionate and competent teacher will help you learn so much about props to help your practice, and that of others, who feel intimidated by Yoga.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html