On Wednesday I skipped out of my Moksha Hot Yoga morning class to catch up on work stuff. The Moksha Hot Yoga is normally what I practice, but since I had to find a way to squeeze a class in somehow at different time the class I ended up going to was “Hatha Flow.”

The room was heated in this class as well, but it was slower, more calming, and I did considerably less sweating than usual. It was less strenuous, much easier, and felt a lot like a vacation. Rather than pushing myself in this class like I normally do, I just enjoyed it.

Sometimes I find I take out my aggression in my yoga practice. For example, not agreeing with colleagues in a meeting and feeling frustrated? On the mat that translates to:

“I will get myself into the splits/hanumanasana, damnit, and I will do it right now!”

I push my body precariously close to the edge forcing the biting sensation of the stretch to alleviate the emotions of frustration from the meeting. As if getting into the pose will make them agree with me or something. It’s absurd really. But it works for me, and my body and mind do gain from it.

Anyway, this Hatha class wasn’t like that. It was nice in a flowery I want to kiss and hug everyone in the world because we are all connected kind of way. There were less exercises that required great physical strength which is one reason I think it was so relaxing for me. It was egoless, this class. All stretch and calm.

What helped intensify that warm atmosphere was beginning the class with everyone first breathing together for 5 minutes, than collectively chanting “om.” I really wish more yoga teachers began classes in this way.

Another great thing this instructor did was end the class with Yoga Nidra. This brief guided meditation she did sounded very similar to the (very wonderful) Yoga Nidra CD I have been practicing with for a few years now.

I looked at my watch a few minutes before we began the relaxation, and then again when it was over and was completely bemused to discover that only 7 minutes had passed. What had felt like an eternity, or maybe more accurately what felt like utter timelessness to me, had actually only been 7 minutes.

The subjectivity of time.

At the very end the teacher closed the class in saying, “Thank you for sharing energy with me today, The divine spark in me honours the divine spark in you, Namaste”

I’ve noticed most of my teachers end classes with some variation of this sentiment. It ignites my curiosity, and has lead me to start working on a post gathering all the various interpretations of Namaste.

Because I think it is just beautiful.