Great piece Stephanie. I really appreciate the invitation aspect. It truly is such a personal practice, and teachers are simply guides. I liked some key words here: notice, observe, steadiness, slowing, breath, invitation, moment, personal... all so good. Thank you for writing this and for mentioning Seeing Upside Down! <3
I love how you notice these keywords because I noticed them too as I was writing them. I appreciate your wisdoms and realizations in your practice and how you share them on your substack.
Love this Stephanie and I love yoga. I've been doing it for a few years now, and it definitely sits well against my running. I would encourage to try it at least some point in their life 🥰
Me too! I used to run a lot and it helped with flexibility because running makes you tight! I do love the mindfulness I have with running too. Thank you for reading another one of my pieces Lyndsay!
I've done yoga on and off for the last dozen years. I love it when I do it, though I've also found big differences between doing it at home (easy, can do whenever) and in the studio (a lot more immersive, teacher corrects). For me to enjoy it, I need to find the right type (I love vinyasa but not the hot kind) and the right teacher. There are many who like to preach at the beginning or seem more like a white person co-opting a practice vs being respectful of the practice's history.
I did it at home for a long time because of the convenience but was suggested by a friend to go to a class and feel the shared energy with the teacher and others. I value the movement with intention. I hope you find a teacher you can align with. Sometimes people are stuck with few choices. I’m glad I’ve enjoyed many of mine.
I have also practiced off and on for over 30 years. The right teacher for me is key. I have spent years not practicing when I couldn't find my match. Having just begun teaching, I keep that in mind. I will not be the teacher for everyone. But "my students" will find their way to me, and it will be a delightful practice. 💜
I just loved how inviting and personal this post was. What I love about being a yogi is that the practice spirals me back to the same truths in new & expansive ways, and I felt that in what you wrote - “this is exactly where you need to be right now”. And what a fun surprise to learn you’re also doing yoga at one of my favorite spots! Bluff yoga was where I started practicing (I lived in Belmont Heights for 7 years). Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to the practice. 🙏🏼
Thank you Lydia! I’m so grateful I found this practice. It’s such a gift to find more about myself each time I get on the mat. Thank you for reading and commenting, Lydia!
This post made me miss yoga so much. I used to be a pretty dedicated yogi, but I haven't been to a class in years. I'll dip in and out here and there, but I miss having a regular practice. I'm nervous to go back to a class though because of Covid. I know everyone else has moved on, but I was so sick when I had Covid that I never want it again. Do you never see people wear masks in class? I'd hate to be that person, but maybe I will just do it and not dwell on the funny looks.
I went to a restorative class recently and there was someone in the class with a mask and a dog! Maybe check out yoga classes that are outside if you are comfortable with it? Yogalution
Thank you Stephanie for this great post, as well as the shoutout for my Substack. I am grateful for you, and glad to connect with another yogi on SS! I'm looking forward to reading more of your work! 💜
Great piece Stephanie. I really appreciate the invitation aspect. It truly is such a personal practice, and teachers are simply guides. I liked some key words here: notice, observe, steadiness, slowing, breath, invitation, moment, personal... all so good. Thank you for writing this and for mentioning Seeing Upside Down! <3
I love how you notice these keywords because I noticed them too as I was writing them. I appreciate your wisdoms and realizations in your practice and how you share them on your substack.
Love this Stephanie and I love yoga. I've been doing it for a few years now, and it definitely sits well against my running. I would encourage to try it at least some point in their life 🥰
Me too! I used to run a lot and it helped with flexibility because running makes you tight! I do love the mindfulness I have with running too. Thank you for reading another one of my pieces Lyndsay!
Running definitely makes you tight! Mindfulness in yoga and running is where it's at :)
I've done yoga on and off for the last dozen years. I love it when I do it, though I've also found big differences between doing it at home (easy, can do whenever) and in the studio (a lot more immersive, teacher corrects). For me to enjoy it, I need to find the right type (I love vinyasa but not the hot kind) and the right teacher. There are many who like to preach at the beginning or seem more like a white person co-opting a practice vs being respectful of the practice's history.
I did it at home for a long time because of the convenience but was suggested by a friend to go to a class and feel the shared energy with the teacher and others. I value the movement with intention. I hope you find a teacher you can align with. Sometimes people are stuck with few choices. I’m glad I’ve enjoyed many of mine.
I have also practiced off and on for over 30 years. The right teacher for me is key. I have spent years not practicing when I couldn't find my match. Having just begun teaching, I keep that in mind. I will not be the teacher for everyone. But "my students" will find their way to me, and it will be a delightful practice. 💜
I just loved how inviting and personal this post was. What I love about being a yogi is that the practice spirals me back to the same truths in new & expansive ways, and I felt that in what you wrote - “this is exactly where you need to be right now”. And what a fun surprise to learn you’re also doing yoga at one of my favorite spots! Bluff yoga was where I started practicing (I lived in Belmont Heights for 7 years). Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to the practice. 🙏🏼
Thank you Lydia! I’m so grateful I found this practice. It’s such a gift to find more about myself each time I get on the mat. Thank you for reading and commenting, Lydia!
This post made me miss yoga so much. I used to be a pretty dedicated yogi, but I haven't been to a class in years. I'll dip in and out here and there, but I miss having a regular practice. I'm nervous to go back to a class though because of Covid. I know everyone else has moved on, but I was so sick when I had Covid that I never want it again. Do you never see people wear masks in class? I'd hate to be that person, but maybe I will just do it and not dwell on the funny looks.
I went to a restorative class recently and there was someone in the class with a mask and a dog! Maybe check out yoga classes that are outside if you are comfortable with it? Yogalution
Great idea! Thank you!
Thank you Stephanie for this great post, as well as the shoutout for my Substack. I am grateful for you, and glad to connect with another yogi on SS! I'm looking forward to reading more of your work! 💜
Thank you, Sue! Your writing inspires me!
Thank you Stephanie!!