Cheryl Thomas, RYT
www.cherylthomas.com
yoga@cherylthomas.com
415-308-3377
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Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana . . .
If You Say So!
So, what's with the funny names I hear in my yoga class for
the poses? I
always feel dumb not knowing what in the hell the teacher's saying. Why can't they just use English. First I have to put my foot behind my head
and now I have to learn some foreign yogi language. What gives?
These are good comments, and I understand why students may wonder
why they hear Sanskrit in some classes and not in others, or why it's used at
all. Some teachers use very little Sanskrit,
maybe just savasana and namaste while many only use it. Why? You
could ask 10 different yoga teachers and get as many opinions. In my classes, you'll hear a hybrid.
Should you care? Maybe. Sanskrit is considered to be one of the
oldest languages on earth, even older than Greek and Latin. Each of the 50 letters of the alphabet is
said to have a sound frequency with specific therapeutic benefits. Can't say that about many other languages,
can we? So, it's thought that each word is encoded
with consciousness--the pose name and the effect of the pose are one. By hearing the Sanskrit and doing the pose,
there is a connection between the sound and the body.
Among the many pros and cons for using Sanskrit in yoga classes,
I like Iyengar teacher, Francois Raoult's, comment that Sanskrit breaks down
the barriers between people who speak different languages: "No matter where you are on the planet, you
have the Sanskrit terms . . . " It's similar
in ballet, where arabesque, jete, or pas de deux are not translated.
Want to learn more? There's a good Yoga Journal article here and a great site to learn
translations and hear pronunciations here.
So, here's my suggestion. As you continue down the yoga path, YOU choose what works for YOU. Lotta Sanskrit, little or none. You decide.
Namaste, y'all.
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Q&O
A: I've noticed that yoga teachers are always super picky about putting the props away neatly and that the blankets are folded in a certain way. Isn't that a bit OCD?
O: You say OCD, I say RFO(1). Remove your shoes, take out your gum, and put your props back neater than
you found them. Oh, and while you're at it, ask your instructor how to
fold the blankets properly. Traditionally, the space where yoga is
practiced is sacred--it's respected and kept clean and tidy by the
practitioners. Here, that's you.
(1) Respect for Others
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Week of March 14, 2010
Wednesday
5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
Yoga Studio Ganesha, Sebastopol
www.yogastudioganesha.com
Vinyasa Flow + Restorative
All Levels
Thursday
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Graton Community Center
Gentle Yoga - All Levels
Saturday (This class may be subbed. Check the website)
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Yoga Center of Sonoma County
www.yogacenterofsonomacounty.com
Vinyasa Flow- All Levels
Week of March 21, 2010
Wednesday
5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
Yoga Studio Ganesha, Sebastopol
www.yogastudioganesha.com
Vinyasa Flow + Restorative
All Levels
Thursday
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Graton Community Center
Gentle Yoga - All Levels
Saturday
9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Yoga Center of Sonoma County
www.yogacenterofsonomacounty.com
Vinyasa Flow- All Levels
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Hope to see you soon!
Namaste,
Cheryl
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Support Our Own
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| Find fabulous deals and support Sunridge School in Sebastopol. How? Sunridge is
hosting an online auction 3/11 - 3/25 and it's full of local donations,
including a private restorative yoga session with ME!. Like all
schools, Sunridge is facing huge budget cuts and is trying to find ways to keep
its doors open. Accomplish two things at once.... be altruistic and find good
deals! Check out our auction at www.sunridge.cmarket.com
St. Patty's Day!!
Q: What is out in the yard all summer and is
Irish?
A: Paddy O'Furniture
Ha! Ha! Wear some green to my class on Wednesday, St. Patty's Day, and you practice for FREE. For more fun, bring a friend!! For even MORE fun, bring an Irish joke!
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