something about yoga, maybe?

[Guest guest]

well, after that medley of wine, ducks and

mountaineering, it's about time for something germaine. earlier,

in august, when i breathlessly described in

excruciating detail my observations of the advanced class at

the carlsbad workshop, some posting here felt that

such voyeurism had no place. "it's not a spectator

sport" was a comment that stuck out. no it's not, i

couldn't agree more. but there is so much you can learn by

observing. i feel kind of awkward sitting around watching

the others after i finish mysore practice though. i

wondered if people would 'feel' me watching them and have

it disrupt their thought or flow. since you can't

really see too much about how others do things while

doing your own practice, how to observe and learn? any

opinions? is it kosher to observe, or is that less than

good yoga manners

[Guest guest]

To voyeur or not to voyeur -- back in my old

Iyengar days my instructor would strongly criticize

looking at anyone else in the room but him. Your mat was

the limit of your visual world, although you were

expected to be aware of and respect the space and privacy

of those around you. On the other hand my favorite

Astanga teacher often suggests looking at others in the

room for alignment clues. So there seems to be a range

of options.

[Guest guest]

I believe there's a tremendous amount to be

learnt by observing the accomplished yogis go through

their paces. Also, watching the ways and means of

adjustment by advanced teachers I find very fruitful as

well. Observing the Carlsbad event was every bit as

much of value to me as was being on the floor, doing

the yoga. Most impressive, inspirational, and useful

to me was Sarath's demonstration, not so much for

what he could do but the *way* he could do it.

<br><br>There are all kind of great yoga teachers, with their

own particular ways of teaching. It happens that my

teacher isn't one for doing much talking or explaining

(compared to say a Richard Freeman). Most of what I get

from him is through direct observation, direct

example.<br><br>Anyway, doesn't the traditional method of teaching more

to do with observation than with prolix explanation?

I"m having trouble imagining Krishnamacharya talking

people through asanas like Rodney Yee.

[Guest guest]

Jois yoga room only holds 12 (all tighly packed

in) and everyone else waiting for their turn to

practice all crane their necks and vie for a viewing

position to be able to see those practicing. Its very

voyeuristic, but I don't think anyone minds.