Posts In: dessert

There are many ways to explain the differences between styles of yoga practice. Most people will describe the technical and philosophical tenets of one style by comparing and contrasting it with others. I prefer to think of yoga as a giant banquet with many courses. Each style of yoga practice is its own course, with its own delicious qualities.

Hatha is like the salad course. It is fresh and easy to dive into. It doesn’t require fancy utensils or prior knowledge of a particular etiquette. It can be served before the main course or after. Sometimes people come to Hatha before moving on to more rigorous forms of yoga and sometimes they are led back when they realize how satisfying Hatha can be in its simplicity.

Vinyasa and Ashtanga are two very different main courses, each fulfilling in its own way. Vinyasa has such a beautiful presentation, each move carefully orchestrated by the chef to create an intended effect on the palate. While Ashtanga has a predetermined set of ingredients, its spice and vigor will keep you coming back for more. When you sit down to either of these practices, you know in advance how wonderful you’ll feel at the end but also how much you’ll have to work in order to get there.

While there are many other styles of yoga that certainly have a place at the table, in my opinion, Restorative yoga is undoubtedly the dessert. It’s perfect at the end of the day when you want to unwind with something indulgent. But restorative yoga also feels good at any time of the day. When you step into a restorative class, you can really take your time and savor every moment. As any eight year old can tell you, sometimes dessert before dinner really is the most satisfying choice. Everyone from young to old, in every type of body can find relaxation and enjoyment from restorative yoga.

Naturally, the food that tasted good to you yesterday might not be as satisfying today as some other dish. Sampling is definitely encouraged!! If you’ve never treated yourself to the dessert of the yoga world, come check out Yoga One’s new restorative class held on Friday afternoons at 4:00, you’ll be glad you came!

April passed us by too quickly but the Instructor Spotlight feature is back. You’ve already seen Angela posing in the Nook, now you can read about what really makes her yoga light shine. She teaches the Friday night Vinyasa Flow at 5:30pm so mark your calendar now for an awesome end-of-the-work-week yoga class! Click here to see the online schedule, no reservations required for class.

1. What is your favorite style of yoga?

I will borrow this answer from one of my teachers, because I truly believe it, “any yoga is good yoga.” As for my teaching, I gravitate towards the mindful breath/movement synergy found in Vinyasa Flow.

2. What first attracted you to yoga when you began your practice?

I was so inspired by my first teachers. There was something about the beauty in their practice (later, I would learn it came through balancing “stira and sukha” – ease and effort, respectively). I would leave feeling lighter, calmer, more open. I wanted to feel that way again and again.

3. What is your favorite yoga pose right now?

Urdhva dhanurasana or upward facing bow. Recently one of my teachers adjusted me in such a way that I finally felt the extreme heart opening possibilities found in this pose. It’s also totally energizing, so I like to incorporate it into my morning practice.

4. What pose is still the most challenging?

Adho mukha vrksasana (handstand) will always be challenging for me, because I naturally have an extreme “carrying angle” at my elbow joint. It illustrates how every single body is biologically different and certain poses can be more challenging because of body mechanics.

5. If you were an animal, you would be: 

I asked my partner this question, and he said a dolphin. I loved this answer because I imagine dolphins to be both strong and beautiful 🙂

6. Describe what yoga means in your life using just 6 words:

Breath, balance, community, love, commitment and growth. And CHALLENGE. I need 7 words.

7. What might your students be surprised to learn about you?

I have a crazy sweet tooth! I eat dessert at least once a day. Seriously.

8. Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for new students?

Do your best to approach your mat every time with an open mind and an open heart. Try not to compare yourself to anyone else and remember that wherever you are is EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE.