There is a way to get into urdhva dhanurasana with little effort in your arms. I don’t remember exactly how it went but I was astonished how much of the burden my legs took on.
I’m glad she has remained patient with you. I have never seen instructors become upset during class but I’m sure your dedication as a student helps
Rdlagrand,
Hey, I understand where you are coming from. Sometimes, I notice misalignment issues, not only in my practice but in those around me. I know that I should be focused on my practice, but I am human and I sometimes let my mind wander. I have found that by going to the front of the room, I am less likely to be distracted.
I would advise against making corrections to fellow students. However, I do have a thought on this issue. I have often seen experienced students and/or teachers bring students to advanced classes with the thought that since the new student has a high degree of fitness that they will do just fine. I think that is a big mistake! There is so much to be said for starting at ground zero and understanding the principles of alignment, breath control, and respecting your body. It may be true that the days of the Guru are over, but why can’t people have the patience to start with a beginner’s mind? What is interesting is if you go to a workshop of a Master Teacher, they often will teach the basic principles of alignment.
I don’t correct fellow students, I think that could come across as rude and make them uncomfortable in the studio especially when I am there. I try to keep the space as sacred as possible.
I agree completely. I started with bikram which was very difficult but easy to keep up with. In classes that involve a flow it can be very difficult for new students to keep up. This can be difficult for a new student versus a level one crowd let alone a 2, 2/3 group. Regardless of fitness you have to build muscle memory for postures before you can safely get in and out of them at any speed.
An instructor at my studio last night said that she was in a class yesterday that was virabhadrasana 1 for the entire class. I can see how this would get boring but the more times you enter a posture the deeper your sensations and understanding are. I’ll have to ask her how her ability to walk is today as she said she was prepared to be immobilized lol.
I suspect there are still gurus out there though the amount of teachers:gurus is stacked Highly in favor of teachers. My next stop is kriya yoga as soon as Yogiraj Gurunath comes back my way. I hear great things but won’t be able to comment further until I meet him.
Practicing asanas with proper concentration and proper breathing is essential. But most of all, we should enjoy the exercises.