Yoga as Creative Expression by Lexie Wolf

Over the weekend, curiosity led me to venture to a chain yoga studio. Towards the end of the session, the instructor shared news about the summer schedule coming out next week. There was a slightly uncomfortable moment as she disclosed that she was not sure she’d be teaching the same class at the same time or might be assigned to teach a different class, teach at a different time or both.

This highlights a significant contrast between our studio and the chain yoga establishments. We don't view instructors as replaceable cogs in a machine. We see them as individuals, each bringing their unique styles and perspectives to the practice of yoga. While I totally grasp the allure of predictability, a hallmark of many corporate chains peddling everything from burgers to clothing to homes, our approach celebrates the diversity and authenticity of our teachers and the many wonderful ways that Yoga can look and feel.

Teachers occupy a pivotal role in yoga's history. The transmission of yoga from teacher to student was once a sacred and selective process, shrouded in both care and secrecy. Yoga was a realm reserved for the spiritually initiated. Gurus had to discern a student's readiness to receive the Kriyas—sequences of movement, breath, and mantra—integral to guiding practitioners towards higher states of consciousness.

I applaud the widespread democratization of yoga, in all its myriad forms across America and beyond. Yoga boasts multifaceted benefits, accessible and adaptable to individuals at various levels. Rather than viewing chain yoga studios as deviating from the 'right' path, I prefer to regard them as offering a different approach. Their outreach introduces yoga to countless individuals, a commendable endeavor indeed.

Nevertheless, my commitment remains steadfast to fostering an environment at Yoga Garden that celebrates both the uniqueness of instructors and the individual journeys of our students. Here, embracing the element of mystery is paramount, akin to navigating many facets of life. Unlike studios that mandate teachers adhere to preset sequences, we prioritize cultivating well-trained, deeply caring instructors who honor yoga in all its dimensions—physical and transcendental. These principles are non-negotiable for us, and I believe they epitomize our studio's essence beautifully.