For the longest time I wanted to share my yoga practice with the blogging world. It was nice to mention moves that confounded me, brag about the small successes improvement brought me. But, somehow I have discovered I have more potential when I keep these things private. I think that is, in part, why I stopped going to group classes. The instructor’s voice calmed me, instilled confidence & control, and yet…I felt constricted, caught up. How to explain this? Certain poses create a cocoon of peace for me. Sometimes, I am so grateful for the respite that tears flow and sighs emerge. I find dare more, try more when alone. And I breathe. Often times I found myself not ready to move on from a particularly comforting pose when everyone else in the class was. Unlike other embarrassing moments in a group setting (falling over with a resounding solid thud, belching air out my azz or falling asleep during shivasana), this show of emotion, this lingering was not something I want to share. I didn’t want to hold up the class by holding a difficult pose for just that much longer (think Warrior III or half moon pose, two I have trouble with). I have more strength when I’m alone. There is power in privacy.
Oddly enough, this privacy issue has been carrying over to other parts of my life. I say I want to run with others but I won’t. I can’t. It’s too personal. It’s my time that I can’t won’t share. I’ve run with only one other person – my sister – and she’s it. I won’t cook for anyone but family and the closer of friends. I won’t let anyone except my husband handle my Lamson & Goodnow.
So be it.
~*LunaSea*~ 
Not all things in life are menat to be shared openly. Enjoy the sacred spaces that you create for yourself, and cherish them.
And, folks, speaking from experience, never EVER offer tips on cooking or preparation in her kitchen. You will get the look of death…and it will burn your soul! 🙂
Despite the privacy of running, I’m still leaving the beach run on the table. It’s there if you ever stop my way.
RT~ You always have the wisest words… thank you.
Glass~ Everyone knows knives are the most sacred of instruments in a kitchen.It goes without saying that you should never even try to take one away from someone while in mid-slice! Guess you’ll never make that mistake again! hahaha!
I stopped going to group classes a few years ago because I find that solitude in my practice not only allows me to concentrate more on going deeper into the poses, but yoga being a prelude for pranayama and meditation works out much better for me when I am home and can go right into my breath work and meditation after I finish asana practice. It makes is a much more sacred practice for me.
GypsyGirl~ all I can say is YES – that is exactly it, “a more sacred practice.” Thanks for your insight.