Week 182: Elemental

I’ve been very fortunate to sample many classes at Yoga Central lately. Different yoga teachers means a new perspective each and every time.

This week I attended Elemental Vinyasa. To be honest, I didn’t really know what I was getting into. I recognized the name of the teacher - Dawn Lamothe - (more from her blog then ever attending her class) so I thought I’d give it a try.

After reflecting on the class name as I walked out of the studio, I realized it was all about working through vinyasa.

It was a tantalizing practice that took vinyasa apart and each “run through” added a new and interesting piece. There is something to be said to any movement that is sequenced together one piece at a time. It makes it feel like a fluid dance than just robotic movement.

Not so sure what vinyasa is? I wasn’t too clear not so long ago. My dear YouTube yoga teacher, Adriene, shares a great five-minute video on what exactly vinyasa is all about. This helps put into perspective what unfolded in the practice.

We worked through many runner’s lunges, three legged dogs and forward folds with the breath. Adding pieces that I have never done together. As we switched gears into some balance work, I thought our vinyasa work was done for the day. Yet, we proceeded to head back in after a brief stint of balance work.

SIDE NOTE: Remember I mentioned I am starting to put together (in my head, no pen to paper yet) a potential class lesson plan or sequence? Well, this class blew me out of the water. I had never thought a balance sequence would interrupt vinyasa. In my mind, they are two separate things as one proceeds the other. More on this in another post!

I appreciated the time and attention Dawn gave to our practice. At one point during my downward facing dog she used a strap around my hips and pulled me back. It was a welcomed pull that helped open up space through my spine and hips. I had hoped she would do it again!

In the noted balance work, Dawn also used a prop. We stood on wooden yoga blocks.

Hold up. Stand on the wooden block? I’ve only ever thought blocks were used for these reasons.

I have never done balance this way before so it was another learning experience. It really puts into perspective the importance of the toes for balance. If the toes were unsteady or off the block, my entire balance was affected. Loved the challenge and the noted break from the vinyasa.

All in all, I look forward to attending again. The purpose of the practice was in fact elemental.

And, I can’t resist a good second session at home these days!

Bonus Yoga!

So many elements to still learn,
LW