I’ve been practicing yoga on my own for a while using DVDs but I’m soon starting a group class. I’m wondering what others’ preferences are between individual and group practice.
HI Jillian! Welcome to Yoga Forums.
I think there should be a balance between both of them. I think we benefit in different ways from both.
I agree. While the majority of my practice is solo, I do enjoy a group setting from time to time.
Hello Jillian.
There are two potential comparisons that your question begs. The first is the comparison between a home practice that is based on teaching from a trained instructor versus going to a class with others for teaching.
The second comparison is between practicing at home without instruction (books and DVD’s, while educational and informational are not the same as teaching or instruction) versus instruction in a class setting with a trained instructor.
In the first scenario it is very appropriate to develop a home practice that is effective, safe, and nurturing. It is equally appropriate to go to classes in order to have the alignments we can not “self-witness” be corrected.
In the second scenario is is more appropriate to go to class and get some instruction than it is to remain home and do dvd classes that do not interact with you, do not see you, and cannot modify you based on your body, flexibility, wellness, or mood.
The power of group yoga is that the power of the group practice and movement together encourages the individual to push forward and practice harder!
his (your) advance is much faster because of that.
there is also magic in a group that moves harmonically together through the postures.
more about group yoga can be found at : wellnesscoach2010.com > yoga
I always find myself more motivated in a group setting, who wants to give up in front of everybody?
My friends,
Can one consider it Yoga if the motivation comes from those around you and that which is outside of you?
What is the point of pushing forward and practicing harder? Is it so a person can [I]appear[/I] to be [I]doing yoga[/I] to their classmates who are also hoping that they appear to be [I]doing yoga[/I]?
A student has no place practicing in a classroom environment if they cannot keep their practice authentic and their own. This the elemental basis for Yoga practice.
Live [I]your[/I] own Yoga, not your classmates’. Be [I]your[/I] Yoga, not your teacher’s or your hero’s.
You cannot evolve if you are doing another’s practice.
In Peace,