Sing-Along Yoga

Yesterday evening I went to a Powerflow yoga class at the gym. It was a more advanced class so I was expecting a great workout.

I arrived, laid out my mat and took a seat.

Once everyone was seated on their mats the teacher, who had a guitar beside her, explained that we would be having a sing-along. She proceeded to pick up the guitar and play (and sing) For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield.
She said she would keep playing until everyone was singing.

Um. Excuse me? I thought I was here to do yoga, lady! She then instructed us to turn to the person beside us and sing to them. Seriously? I was rolling my eyes at this point. But many people started laughing…and then singing!  And as frustrated as I was, it was pretty humorous, so I gave it up and just sang along

After singing to the person beside me for a lot longer than I felt comfortable, she turned on some music and we got into the poses. She actually turned out to be an excellent instructor. She came around and focused on everyone individually for a little bit, even though the class was full. It was a great flow with lots of chaturangas and down dogs. I could barely hold myself up by the end.

AND she gave us excellent tips for getting into crow pose:

[source]

When attempting crow, get into position (like above, but with feet on the floor). Put a yoga blog block about a foot in front of you and lean forward and try to place your head on the block. Your feet will naturally lift off the floor. And then you can try lifting your head off of the block.

With her advice, I actually made it up into crow… for about 1 second. But still! That’s an improvement from no seconds!

When it finally came to savasana, I was so happy. That’s how I know I’ve had a good class, when I can’t WAIT for savasana.

During it, she brought out the guitar once again and sang a quiet, soothing song. I realized she had a pretty great voice, so I didn’t mind.

All in all, it wasn’t so bad. Maybe I’ll even go back for another sing-along…maybe

******
AND! Guess what!?! I won a copy of Derek Tursky’s guided meditation DVD from the lovely Meghan Telpner of Making Love in the Kitchen fame!

I’ve never meditated before, but I’m really excited to try it and let you all know how it goes!
It will be interesting for sure

Janna

Have you ever tried meditation? Do you practice regularly? Any tips for me?!