Light on Life

A few days ago, I chanced upon this advert.

[Watch this in HD, trust me]

To give all of you some background, I got introduced to Yoga about 1.5 years. I started going for classes more regularly in March.

I must admit, I am a bit of a alignment freak. I relish adjustments, arm balances, headstands etc. It irks me to see instructors give classes that are both uninformed, and unsafe.

In Singapore, I practiced at Pure Yoga for 2-3 months. After I got back to NYC, I got lazy. I decided to give Equinox on 17th and 10th avenue a shot because I wanted to get back in shape in the new year.

My first yoga class there was with a male instructor who proclaimed he only did one yoga class in the past three weeks. That set off an alarm in my head; It was a horrible class.

Today’s class however, was amazing. The sequence was progressive, and the music was calming. The teacher was attentive, assertive, and yet gentle at the same time. Thank you Sarra Morton, for making me see yoga in a new light, and for making me rediscover my love for this ancient craft.

40 Day Challenge: Day 8 – 12

Day 8:

Took a flow class with Jessie. I really liked the adjustments she made. She basically lifted my back while I was in wheel to give me a deeper stretch. Had inversion practice at the end of class.

Day 9:

Flow class with Domenic

Day 10:
Flow class with Hilaria

A great instructor who always emphasizes on why we do things. This makes class seem very purposeful.

Day 11:

Flow class with Jessie

Day 12:

Basics class with Deniele.

Deniele is an amazing instructor, perhaps one of the best I’ve ever met. She has such a strong awareness for postures, and form.

This week at Yoga Vida has been nothing but absolute joy. It is good to know that a space like this exists in this bustling city. If I ever move to NYC, I would love to begin a regular practice here.

40 Day Challenge: Day 6 – 7

Day 6:

Got to New York City early in the morning. Ran some errands, and headed to Smorgasburg in Brooklyn which was insanely amazing.

Day 7:

Attending yoga classes at Yoga Vida NYC for the week.

Front Desk

Lounge Area on the right, changing rooms on the left

Cubbies

Studio

One last picture taken from the website because my picture does not do it any justice.

There are many things that I love so much about this studio. First, the blocks they use are made of cork! I know this may not sound like a big deal to some, but this was my first time using a cork block. It was extremely sturdy and felt much better than a regular foam block. Second, location. Situated 2 blocks from Union Square, it’s close to both the subway, and Whole Foods Market. If you come here on a Saturday, you’d be able to catch a glimpse of the Union Square Greenmarket too.

Union Square Green Market

I took the 7pm flow class with Zoe, who is an awesome teacher. Flow classes at this time slot on Sundays are candlelit. Unfortunately , it was still bright out so I did not get to see the full grandeur of the studio lit in candlelight. It was a great class with the end dedicated to inversion practice. Some of the instructions were dished out in Sanskrit too. I believe this is good practice as it allows the students to know the names of poses in both English and Sanskrit. Who knows, you might take a class taught only in Sanskrit someday.

Yoga Vida NYC
99 University Place at 12th St.
6th Floor; New York, NY 10003
doyoga@yogavidanyc.com
212.995.5553

40 Day Challenge: Day 2 – 5

Day 2:

Took a Level 1.2 class with Lori.

The winds of grace are always blowing, but we must raise our sails.

-Sri Ramakrishna

Day 3:

Level 1.2 Vinyasa Rock your Asana class with Patrick

Franklin Street Yoga Center sold more than 800 unlimited yoga passes that day through Groupon. The studio had over 50 people in it. It was extremely hot inside. However, it is just amazing to thrive off the energy of your neighbors towards the end when all your muscles are burning, and that last chaturanga seems impossible.

Day 4:

Level 1.2 Vinyasa Building class with Patrick

Day 5:

Level 2 Rock your Asana class with Leslie.

This was extremely punishing. It was definitely a step up from the Level 1.2 RYA class but we did not do it for the pleasure, we did it for the pain.

I’m off to New York City in a few hours, and I’ll be practicing at another studio for the week Traveling with my Manduka Black Mat Pro. Hope all goes well with the counter staff later!

40 Day Challenge: Day 1

Yesterday afternoon at Franklin Street Yoga Center, about 35 people had already signed up to participate in the challenge to attend 30 yoga classes in 40 consecutive days.

On Day 1, I attended a Level 2 Vinyasa Awareness class with Lori. It was an awesome time. When one is in a class full of like-minded yogis, you really do feed off the energy of your neighbors. Everyone empowers one another in ways they cannot imagine.