The atmosphere surrounding anything I do always plays a major role in whether I continue to come back. As I immerse myself in different sports and groups of people, I always subconsciously, whether I like it or not, evaluate my experience based on the ambiance of the community of people it involves. For the last couple months, I have been mulling over in my head, exactly how I feel about the yoga community. As I have been searching out a new yoga studio, my thoughts on this subject have been more negative than positive.
Upon much reflection of my feelings, it seems to this yogini that the social construct of the yoga community is complex, simply because it is not as easy to get to know people with whom you put your mat down beside. Yoga’s mat practice is a self-centered practice. Though it makes it harder to get to know those around you, this characteristic is not necessarily negative-your mat practice is meant to be yours; it is meant to be personal. My mat practice is where I refuel and recharge in order to give back to the rest of the world. But, unless I decide to linger where I take my shoes off before I enter the studio, I tend not talk to anyone I practice beside.
I have to believe, however, that beyond the silence and perceived stoicism of a mat practice, the yoga community is kind, welcoming and friendly, simply based on why I come to my mat. I come to my mat to connect with the universe. I practice yoga to hear the hum of something higher than myself, to calm and center myself-in order that I will drive slower, be kinder, give more, and perhaps have a better understanding of this life and our world. I tend to think that this is why the majority of others practice too. Maybe I should hang out by the shoes more often-perhaps I should get to know the guy who always practices in his boxer briefs, or meet the one other girl with dreadlocks at the studio, or talk to the woman who always places her mat at the back of the room, against the wall.
Do Your Om Thing 