In all of 2010, I think I've gone to about 20 different yoga teachers' classes. Maybe more. This is an attempt to record that experience, and hopefully be able to continue a more "up-to-date" write up as I go along my 6-month long 200hr Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) with YogaTree that just started last weekend. I'll work my way backwards for now, from the standpoint of taking advantage of freshest memory first!
Janet Stone - Radiant Flow on 9/15 at YogaTree -Castro.
This was actually Janet's second class I've attended ever. It was not as "hard-core" as the first class I attended back in June, which is funny since I just now realized that the one in June was a Level 1-2 class and last night's was a 2-3! Or maybe I'm a little better conditioned now? Granted, I was sweating like a pig 10 minutes into class! But I wasn't hurting. Or perhaps I'm also being more mindful about how far I stretch myself?
Janet's class is very spiritual and energetic. She incorporates a lot of singing and chanting with her glorious voice and enigmatic persona. Her classes are typically pretty jam packed, in the 80's I'm guessing. And she has 2 assistants. It's a workout for sure, but also spiritual.
Chrissandra Fox - Lunchtime Flow on 9/14 YT-Hayes
This too was my second class with Chrissandra, though I did attend a retreat with her in June as well. I've also taken her class at YogaGarden. Chrissandra tends to be more on the centering side of yoga, focusing on rebalancing and tuning in to your self. This last class was particularly beautiful for me where I felt energized and centered and calm afterwards. She has a very soft demeanour. And while it's not a workout where I sweat like a pig, I did break a sweat in the last class! She spends time in savasana where she goes around class pressing down on everyone's shoulders, which is just heavenly!
Christopher Love - Hatha Flow All Levels on 9/13 YT-Stanyan
It was my first class with Chris. He's very methodical...not the warm-fuzzy feeling you get from someone like Chrissandra. He's serious about his yoga and your practice! But at the same time exudes warmth and care too. He focussed more on the meditation time in class, which is then much like guided meditation.
Les Leventhal - Vinyasa All Levels on 9/11 YT-Castro
My second class with Les who plays 80's music! How can you go wrong with playing 80's music anywhere?! Well, I suppose there could be occasions... but I enjoy it much in Les' class - never would've imagined I'd find yoga and 80's music together. But it works! And a workout it is too. Les' yoga is very energetic and he brings in some humor, also touching on self acceptance/love/caring of yoga philosophies in his teaching. He also explains some bit of the sanskrit words in the asanas.
Saul David Raye - Living from the Heart workshop on 8/28 YT-Castro
This was a 3hr workshop which was like a long yoga class with lots of asanas enfolded into his teachings on the philosophies behind the asanas. A beautiful workshop! Saul also exudes lots of warmth/compassion and caring in his class. No sweaty class - thank goodness as I wouldn't have lasted for 3hrs! He did break into a dance 2/3rds into the workshop!
OK, that's 5 teachers written up for now. Bed time!
Namaste,
~Magi
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