Iyengar Yoga October 13, 2020

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     This Iyengar Yoga class was taught by Amita Bhagat. At the beginning of class Anita gave an overview of Iyengar Yoga and her personal yoga journey. This class was definitely for beginners as she made sure everyone was on the same page. As well as giving in depth instructions on how to safely get in and out of poses. I liked that she spoke about some of the postures in ways that it can help the body. As well as explaining how certain poses are good for women while menstruating or just good for reproductive health. Though this did not feel as though a fully flowing yoga class, I appreciated her explanations of the Iyengar practice and specifics of yoga poses. 

    Yoga as a medicine and healing practice is prominent as the weeks go on. Starting with the Bikram yoga class, that is specifically a healing yoga practice and you could see that in the poses taught. Similarly, I feel as though Iyengar has a healing property as well. This class was taught to show the poses and how they help your body, down to a cellular level. I found it interesting that at the end of class Anita showed us the props that were designed by BKS himself to have the students stay in the poses longer to ensure a proper cycle of blood throughout the boy. This made me realize how healing yoga can be used. 

    As Anita was describing the proper ways of a pose and connecting back to us, allowed a sense of community. The class was apart of community in the moment and all learning the ins and outs of Iyengar yoga. Though we cannot be together. Her getting reassurance from us made a sense of community. It is nothing like taking a yoga class through youtube where there is no possibility of that. Being apart of that community made me feel good and happy to be apart of it. 

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