“I see yoga as an opportunity to love myself”

In January, I attended Vanessa’s class at the Twin Rivers Unit at Monroe. There were 17 students, and I handed out surveys after class. We like to hear from our students, as understanding their needs and concerns is at the heart of what we do.

It’s clear that people come to our yoga classes for many reasons and have a variety of ideas about what yoga is and what it means to them. Most everyone agrees that our classes provide physical benefits and most people feel that yoga helps with relaxation, calm and peace and that it reduces stress and anxiety.

Some people come for the “spiritual” benefits, and others would prefer that we NOT bring any spirituality into our teaching. Some people say they want “more stretching” and some say they want “less stretching”.

I see the division in some of these responses as an opening for further discussion and education. I see it as an opportunity for all of us - “teachers” and “students” - to go deeper into meaningful, ongoing conversations together.

Probably the most rewarding thing for me to hear though, is when a student expresses that coming to yoga has helped them to be more compassionate and/or loving with themself. That’s the pay dirt. That’s when you know you’re on the right track. Particularly in this setting.🥹- Chris