Back to normal, I think. Still sporting purple cupping spots on the back and newly acquired cold sores on the lips, but feeling vastly better. Proctored first exam in my immunology course. A little disappointed by the results, many of the students cheated, but it is OK, I guess.
Today went to Sharon Gannon's workshop at Flow yoga studio. This was the first time I was there, and might be the last. Do not get me wrong, it is a beautiful studio, with lots of cushions around to rest after or before class, and people are very friendly. The problem for me was that this is one of those places that use lots and lots of incense, which immediately constricted my lungs into a pre-asthma attack. I was very peeved with myself, because I forgot to bring my inhaler, my mat and, most importantly, my towel. I am one of those people who start sweating profusely the second they lift arms in the first sun salutation, so this was one huge mistake. The room was too warm, and densely packed with people. One girl was attempting karanda for warm-up, which was doubly impressive considering the distance between mats was an inch or so.
So first there was a signing of her new book, which I of course bought and had signed. Then the whole workshop was dedicated to the importance of being vegan for everything - Earth, humanity, our bodies, etc. I get this topic, I do. I would be a vegan myself, if it did not mean cooking two sets of food for me and for my husband, for which I do not have any energy and enthusiasm at the moment (besides, I think it would be a little inconsistent for a person killing lab mice for living). Anyway, I am not opposed to the idea of veganism in any way. But there was something in the way she was presenting it that left me unmoved. It felt a little insincere to me. Or just lacking true passion. I am not sure, but I was utterly unimpressed. I hope her book will leave a better impression.
Today went to Sharon Gannon's workshop at Flow yoga studio. This was the first time I was there, and might be the last. Do not get me wrong, it is a beautiful studio, with lots of cushions around to rest after or before class, and people are very friendly. The problem for me was that this is one of those places that use lots and lots of incense, which immediately constricted my lungs into a pre-asthma attack. I was very peeved with myself, because I forgot to bring my inhaler, my mat and, most importantly, my towel. I am one of those people who start sweating profusely the second they lift arms in the first sun salutation, so this was one huge mistake. The room was too warm, and densely packed with people. One girl was attempting karanda for warm-up, which was doubly impressive considering the distance between mats was an inch or so.
So first there was a signing of her new book, which I of course bought and had signed. Then the whole workshop was dedicated to the importance of being vegan for everything - Earth, humanity, our bodies, etc. I get this topic, I do. I would be a vegan myself, if it did not mean cooking two sets of food for me and for my husband, for which I do not have any energy and enthusiasm at the moment (besides, I think it would be a little inconsistent for a person killing lab mice for living). Anyway, I am not opposed to the idea of veganism in any way. But there was something in the way she was presenting it that left me unmoved. It felt a little insincere to me. Or just lacking true passion. I am not sure, but I was utterly unimpressed. I hope her book will leave a better impression.
The rest of the workshop was OK. Half of it was attaining true fluidity in a sun salutation (there were no jump backs or jump throughs), the rest - a couple of sweet flows, finishing and savasana. Sorry ABY, I was not as enchanted as you were; she might've been too tired or something. Other people loved it, though.
I liked her hair color - it had a cool bluishly-purple tinge to it.
18 comments:
Dear Alfia,
Sorry the Sharon Gannon workshop wasn't great for you. You are right though...I think she should not be splitting the book signing with teachings. It takes more prana that way and maybe she was tired, etc. I have experienced at least one workshop when she was not at her best. I have never felt great about taking class with a special teacher when it is very crowded. I did a fantastic Anna Forest one once but the fact that the mats were 1 inch apart on all sides was so very distressing to me.
I also have some thoughts about her take on veganism to share with you at another time, if you are interested:)
Thanks for the trip wishes! I am excited to get some sun soon!
Have a great week of practice and work ahead!
Hugs,
ABY
a- thanks for sharing your experience!
Hi, Aby:
I will certainly give her another chance when I have an opportunity. I do not like not liking people. I would love to hear your thoughts on vegetarianism.
Hi, ebeans:
You are welcome and thank you for stopping by. :)
" I do not like not liking people."- that's really nice, Alfia. I think sometimes I like to not like people! Bad habit.
What an interesting read! Thanks for the workshop lowdown. I like her hair too!
ABY, I can't imagine a tightly packed Anna Forest workshop- not that I've done one, but her style is pretty intense and wild. I'd be scared of getting knocked over or kicked in the face.
I think I'm kind of done with workshops. There are very few people I'd want to go to- maybe Kino, Dharma Mittra, ... that's about it. I love David Swenson, but I've gone enough to know exactly what he's going to say next.
Thank you, Liz!
I still like the workshops. I am not all that proficient in ashtanga to get bored yet. I also appreciate anything new I can get from others for my own vinyasa class. My bad habit of having different classes every time often keeps me run out of ideas.
Glad you are feeling better Alfia.
I must say these vegan sermons put me off, I dont like being preached at at the best of times.
When shalas pack them in to that extent, it strikes me that its more about profit than benefitting the students practice.
Hi, Kevin:
I do not mind being preached when the preaching comes deep from the heart. Not that I would necessarily follow, but I appreciate the effort. But when the it comes in a shape of a book commercial - this I do not like. And I agree about the densely packed studios, the bottom line concern is too much obvious.
hi Alfia
i was mostly vegan until a former vegan vegetarian yoga teacher told me she started including kefir in her diet, so i did too, for the calcium in the dairy. then i figured that being a raw food vegan was impractical when my refrigerator would not keep the food for more than 4 days that way, so now i cook some of my food.
today our practice, which was in the smaller of the studios, was so packed that it was mat to mat. it didn't stress me out, but it stressed Motorcycle Diarist, one of the shalamates.
hugs
Arturo
Hi Alfia,
On the one hand I'm sure it is partly about profit (not that most yoga studios are raking it in), but on the other hand it sucks to be turned down when the workshop is full, and I don't really mind being packed in if everyone who wants to be there gets to come.
I am usually disappointed by workshops, the biggest exception being Kino - can't wait to go again in April. Hers was also the only one I've ever been to that included mysore practice, so that is probably part of the reason (but also she just fires me up).
Our shala uses incense too and I don't mind it, but I DO know how terrible asthma is... if it were me I'd say something (surely they don't want people having astham attacks during workshops?) And if it were me running the shala and aware the incense was giving someone problems, I would put it out. We also have aromatherapy oil burners to cover the sweat smell equally well :)
Have a good week, ALfia!
Sharon can be a little off-putting, especially the heavy-duty vegan/animal activist stuff. I try to assume she's coming from a good place. I find David to be much more genuine and personable than Sharon. Actually, it's their followers I find REALLY disconcerting......
it's too bad her "vegan" message wasn't inspiring. there's definitely a range to a lot of vegans i've met (including myself and my husband). we try to be as moderate as possible (after all, the whole motivation for us is compassion), but i've certainly met some radical (and sometimes annoying) vegans. your note does make me appreciate having a vegan spouse... who is also OK with me being a mostly raw vegan. (^_^) hope to see you tomorrow morning!!
Hi Arturo:
I think kefir is so good for you that you should not regret your deviation from veganism. I make my own and love it.
From your sick bed to a Jivamukti workshop all in the same week! That's hardcore.
Glad you are back on your feet and feeling good.
I don't really understand the whole preaching vegetarianism/veganism to adults thing. Especially a group of yoga practitioners. Seems they would pretty much have their minds made up on the lifestyle. They might covert one or two here and there, but it could turn more people off in the long run, which is a shame. Perpetuates the preachy vegan stereotype too.
I don't know. Be a vegan, don't be a vegan. I appreciate anyone who makes thoughtful, educated choices. And you certainly do that!
Susan, I agree it sucks to turn people away, but packing up the studio so that the presenter does not have room to demo is excessive, I think.
They did not have incense burning per se, but the air was soaked in the smells. Both studios I frequent do not use incense at all, and I never felt there was any need to do it (well, just once a person next to me had an extra stinky mat, but no incense would help that smell).
Kino's workshops rocked, but I still enjoy an occasional workshop with other people. When I am in London, I should take your class, Susan!
Hi, Sonya:
I like David for some reason, too, though I do not know him at all. I like the way he looks. :D
H, Rayna:
It is possible that it was just me, being cranky from other things. It is possible she inspired quite a few people there, they certainly flocked around her for a while.
Rayna, I brought a CD with pics yesterday, and forgot to give it to you! I will bring it tomorrow. :(
Hi, Alin:
I totally do not mind preaching, especially when the cause is good. I am just sensitive to the "old act", when people are either tired, or did it so many times, it became automatic. Advocating good causes are worth either doing a good job or not doing it at all. Otherwise they become tired stereotypes, you are right.
i'm sure it wasn't just you! sharon and david definitely have a "strong" message regarding veganism. i think ultimately, people should make their own choices and be at peace with them. compassion for self is super important!
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