The physical practice of Hatha and Ashtanga yoga found Eric several years ago while living in Shanghai, China. One of his best friend’s would not stop talking about (and doing) “the practice.” Finally, one sunny day out on the track of the international high school where he was an English teacher, Eric attempted the practice with his friend. He was, however, impressed, that his friend could kick himself up into handstand. Just before the Chinese New Year, 2015, that same friend introduced Eric to a Hatha yoga teacher he had met on a silent retreat. Eric remembers two things from his first “real” experience of yoga: first) the teacher was kind, always smiling, and from India; second) he was completely exhausted by the end of the one hour class and experienced a taste of pure stillness in savasana. That, or he might have just fallen asleep, but he felt better than he had at the beginning of the class. Soon after, Eric had a year membership to the studio and tried nearly all of the classes. He feels he was fortunate and blessed to have his first teachers be from India—these were not necessarily RYTs, but instead people who grew up practicing yoga. Through his teachers, Eric was introduced to far more than the asana aspect of yoga. This exposure ranged from yoga philosophy, meditation, pranayama, vegetarianism (though his Ashtanga yoga teacher did eat meat), and various stories and lessons from the Hindu religion. It was a lot to take in, and all of this new exposure did not come without some internal conflict. It also came with feelings of inner confidence and a slowly developing awareness of the body, thoughts, and emotions, as well as where Eric most commonly held tension (the neck and shoulders!). Upon moving back to Indiana at the end of January, 2016, Eric decided to investigate all of this a little bit deeper by becoming a certified yoga teacher. Eric is excited to offer an all-levels Hatha yoga class. Hatha yoga is simply the physical aspect and breathing exercises of yoga. Where it differs from vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga, though, is in it’s focus on alignment and correct muscle engagement, as well as a more intentional use of props and the holding of postures for longer periods of time. Because of the expansive nature of modifications in the asana practice, this class really is for everyone. It will also be useful for those looking to slow down and revisit postural alignment so that they can bring this knowledge into their vinyasa practice.
