Totally out of control

Hi Sheree

This is what I submitted as your reply, only moments ago. Then I found your new thread. Just keep going here or there (but both won’t be necessary! 😉 )

Advice? OK! Here goes. Go back. But don’t stand right in the back with the newbies. Because most instructors teach to a script that doesn’t handle newbies, standing in the back row means you have to take your cues from people who may very well NOT know what they’re doing.

You should stand in the 2nd row, in between and behind 2 regulars who know what they’re doing. In that position too, you’ll probably have regulars at both sides. Surround yourself with them. You’ll be able to see them from behind and see their reflections too. Teachers actually rely on you looking around (even though a very good class, you should be able to follow the verbal instructions).

You will find the class very satisfying especially when you let go of how well you should be doing. Try to work on great alignment. The script won’t tell you that but you’ll largely have to guess what that means by looking at others and using your intuition. So once again, be surrounded by what you think will be good examples.

Normally the couple of classes AFTER the first one are the hardest because your mind thinks you know what you have to do. It’s impossible to know everything in such a short time! Hey it’s a process

Have a wonderful experience. Come back and let me know how you go

That’s what I wrote. Frankly, you are simply experiencing the difficulties of someone whose expectations are high, was standing in the wrong spot and could have had less than ideal instruction.

When you have better examples I believe things will be easier for you. You are not supposed to struggle. You are currently being overwhelmed by too much ‘stuff’ to do and follow.

Let me know how you go

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

Hi Cheermom,

you sound hard on yourself! I’ve been doing this hot yoga now for almost two years, and I still have to work on my breath. And my balance. Even though I thought I was focusing on breath in the beginning, it became apparent to me that I wasn’t.

I know you like the back row, but I have found that if I am a bit closer to the mirror I am less distracted by other things, I breathe a bit better, and I balance a bit better. I’m near sighted so if I’m on the back row I feel like I am WAY far away, making focusing on myself harder in general. Just a thought for you to consider.

Just keep in mind that everyone in that class struggles with things all the time. No need for you to be embarrassed. I hope you stick with it and find your focus.

Namaste!

-Kristin