The reason I enjoy Baptiste yoga so much is that it is all encompassing.  It is not about yoga.  You don’t leave what you learn on the mat.  It directly applies to life in endless ways.  I have found myself more centered, more mindful and more alive since I’ve been doing Baptiste yoga. 

My instructor is always saying that how you are in yoga is how you are in life.  If you are constantly looking around and comparing yourself to others…well, guess what you are doing in the real world.  If you are just waiting for it to end or worrying about what you need to do after, chances are you are not enjoying your daily life much either. 

I have really noticed my weaknesses in class, and I make a conscious effort to try to work on them in the next class.  I noticed that I would hold back on some yoga poses so that I could complete the class without falling over.  I decided that is not how I want to live.  I would rather really ‘bring it’ to every moment, and if that means I collapse in a later pose…I will find honor in that. 


I once caught myself looking at the clock in yoga class (upside down, of course).  I was so frustrated with myself.  I thought, “If I don’t want to be in yoga, where else could I possibly want to be?”  This one has been easy to apply to life.  In each moment I will be present, not waiting or watching the clock for the next thing.  I want to live in a clockless world.

When she cues poses that I would normally mentally groan about, I am now trying to look at them as challenges.  I am very aware now of the tone of my inner voice during my time on the mat.  This is directly impacting my ability to recognize and regulate the way I talk to myself throughout the day.  The voices in my head are now much nicer, so I like being with me much more.

So, Baron, I look forward to our 3 days together this fall.  I know that the way you have helped me evolve so far is just the tip of the iceburg.  I know the Baron Baptiste Yoga Boot Camp won’t be easy, but very few of life’s most important experiences are.

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I have had the pleasure of enjoying a range of digitized yoga classes.  Here is a list of my favorite instructors available on DVD:

• Baron Baptiste–this is my all-time favorite style of yoga.  The reason:  he teaches yoga lessons that apply directly to life.  I have walked away from class (taught by a Baron Baptiste instructor) profoundly moved by the wisdom gained.  I have also, without realizing it initially, directly applied the truths I’ve learned from class in my daily life.
• Shiva Rea–she is intense, but has great routines.  Her DVD’s actually allow you to choose your own routine if you’d like.    Try not to be intimidated by her, she is pretty bendy.
• Rodney Yee–he provides all levels of practice.  He can help you get started with yoga, or he can make you burn…the choice is yours.

Another option is to checkout podcasts–there are audio and video versions of routines available on the internet.  You can simply google “baron baptiste podcasts” and there is a long list of options from certified instructors.  Once you are familiar with the names of the poses, you can easily do the routines with just verbal prompting.

It is possible to use a book like I’ve done in the past.  It would be nice if the binding on the book was spiral.  In fact, I believe you can take a regular book and have Kinko’s make it into a spiral for you.  This would make keeping it open much easier.  I have also seen packs of cards with yoga poses from Barnes and Noble.  These would be nice to take to work and whip out when you have five minutes to find your Zen.


I also want to mention that I have a Wii and the Wii Fit.  The Wii Fit has a yoga program on it that is quite good.  The only downside is that you have to manually switch the poses, which tends to break up the flow.  But it is probably perfect for someone easing into doing yoga.

So while it is nice to go to a class, there are many options for your yoga workouts at home.  This can be nice if you are feeling insecure about your abilities.  Most people are pretty wobbly for a while (or forever).  Until you can laugh at yourself, you may be better off keeping your workout at home. Regardless of where you are doing it–get out there and get bendy!

What time of day? Many people find first thing in the morning is a nice time to do it.  At this point the mind is more quiet, so it can be easier to slip into the meditative state.  Mornings are rushed, though, for many who meditate.  This is why evening (and often right before bed) works better for some people.  Another option is to schedule it into the middle of the day to inject some much-needed centering.

How long? Most people start with just 5 minutes.  This is harder than it sounds.  It can take 10-15 minutes just to get the mind to quiet down.  People who are serious about it often build to 30 minutes to an hour per day.  I know it may sound like time you just don’t have for yourself.  It is important to remember, though, that you must take care of yourself if you hope to take care of anyone else.

How do you do it? There are many different meditation techniques available.  Here is a short list:

• Silent Meditation–this is simply sitting upright, eyes typically closed.  You are attempting to have no thoughts, or at least to release them as soon as you notice them.
• Blank Screen Meditation–this approach visualizes a blank screen on the inside of the head.  You are staring at the screen (eyes closed), and if a thought comes you refocus on the screen.
• Flame Meditation–a really nice method involving staring at a candle to find peace and quiet the mind.
• Guided Meditation–here you are using a podcast or CD to guide your thoughts to help with relaxation.

It is nice to try different methods, and ultimately use the meditation technique that works best for you.  It is important to be easy on yourself with this.  It can be frustrating trying to quiet the ‘monkey’ of the mind.  It can also be difficult to make it a priority.  But the payoff is huge.  Once you learn to stop intrusive thoughts while meditating, you will find you are able to do this more during your daily life.  This will decrease your overall feelings of anxiety throughout the day.  In many ways, being able to control the mind gives you a greater control over your life…your thoughts are your life.

• Relax where you can –   when holding a pose there are some muscles that must be engaged, but others (like shoulders or jaw) should be relaxed.  Clearly this is a lesson for daily life.
• It helps to breathe –   yoga is breath-dependent, which of course life is as well.  It is common to unknowingly hold your breath during more difficult poses.  Breathing through difficult moments in life is very beneficial.
• It helps to smile –   people can have very serious or even strained expressions during their practice.  It is amazing how much more enjoyable it is when you smile–it changes your attitude.  When things are not going your way in life, it is often a good practice to smile anyways.  This may allow you to shift your inner dialogue.

Now you are beginning to see how easily lessons learned in yoga can translate to real life.  Beyond the pearls of wisdom coming from the instructor, you may also start to notice some discoveries of your own.  At some point you realize that relaxing in a stretching pose (rather than resisting it) actually almost feels good.  Or how about when you feel like you are about to collapse because your muscles are burning?  Somehow you are able to find a tiny bit more strength to hold it until the instructor tells you to release.

If you are lucky enough to have a good yoga instructor (I prefer Baron Baptiste certified instructors), you will learn things in class that go much deeper than the body.  However, if your mind is not open enough to receive the lessons, it wouldn’t matter if Gandhi himself was teaching you.  Yoga is one of the many paths to a changed mind.  I’ve found that as I have been more open to the lessons I learn in class, I’m more open to lessons from other parts of life as well.  It  absolutely can benefit anyone suffering with anxiety, depression, or just general burnout.  One last pearl:

• This is your yoga practice –  this is your life, modify it so that you get whatever you need from it.

Now go out there and get bendy!