Alexandra G. Arias rated Sonic Yoga 4 stars
6 months ago
As a 500Hr yoga teacher with over 10 years experience, this is the first time I write a review about a class at this particular studio.
When it comes to practicing yoga, we have to remember that yoga is more than a set of poses thrown together. Yoga is a practice that when it has the right foundation, it can help you heal.
Unfortunately, many people are getting injured from practicing yoga and while the reasons vary, we have to take a closer look at the role we are playing in our own practice and teaching. This level 2 class last night had many standing poses in flows where knees could be dislocated. It is important the practice of intelligent sequencing when teaching this type of class. There are many poses where the body is just not ready. It was hard to focus on breathing, ujjayi breath, which was not cued at the beginning. This vinyasa class could have used what vinyasa stands for, movement between poses in yoga, typically accompanied by regulated breathing. It is also challenging when the instructor talks the whole time, making jokes providing a threatening atmosphere for those, like me who just came in for the first time. Verbal cues in proper training is much needed for this class. Lots of" ings" turning, pointing, lots of do this, don't do that..."this" and "that" maybe needing good language. Most of all, I would have liked some silence when surrender in poses once in them.
What is concerning, when I was walking out, many students said, that was a good work out! I am not sure I went in for a work out, I trust my yoga teacher to guide me through poses in a safe manner and it is about the student experience....I decided to practice what I try to teach in my classes.
1- Listen to your body. Only you know what your body is telling you.
2- The importance of a well-sequenced class and the impact that it has on your body and how you will feel during and after class is key. If you feel discouraged, overworked, pushed, unsaved and most importantly, if you start to feel pain. Stop!
In my experience both as a teacher and student, I’ve found that sequencing is more than just putting some poses together that we think are cool, creative, and fun. I believe sequencing is an art, it is the process of putting poses together that awakens and prepares the mind and body to safely enter and exit one yoga pose to the next.
I feel that the art of intelligent sequencing enhances the natural flow of Prana where each pose is meant to prepare, open and strengthen your body for the next pose to come. This type of sequencing goes beyond the physical poses by addressing the mental, emotional and even the spiritual aspects of the students in class.
As yoga practitioners, students, and teacher we can all improve the way we practice and/or teach by going back to the basic concepts and build a strong foundation so we can feel empowered on and off the mat.
Why is sequencing so important?
As a student, when you are in the presence of intelligent sequencing:
Your body responds to the positive effects of a well-sequenced and rounded yoga class
You are well prepared to safely enter, sustain, and exit simple and more complicated yoga poses
After class, you feel empowered, transformed and fully balanced at the physical, mental and emotional level
You have the building blocks to help you deepen your yoga practice
As teachers, you are able to:
Teach in Kramas or stages no matter the level of experience of your students.
Know how to safely cue more complicated poses
Understand when to add specific counterposes during and towards the class instead of only adding counterposes at the end of the class
Learn what poses to add or avoid when sequencing specific poses or combining a series of poses
For all the yoga teachers out there, I want to invite you to advance your sequencing not just by teaching more complex poses but by going to deeper
layers (not just physical) when teaching a class.
I hope to give it another try in the future but stay safe yoga students...
