In our last post we discussed the need to redefine what it means to be an “advanced” student and what makes up “harder” classes.  This  discussion mainly focused on the physical benefits one could derive from taking classes that don’t always involve tons of calorie burning, but that sometimes need you to slow down to connect with the subtle changes of the internal landscape.  The video below gives a critical statement about what has come to be percieved in the Western world as “advanced” yoga.

 J. Brown, the founder of the Abhyasa yoga center in Brooklyn, explains that we have associated, “advanced as physical prowess.”  So true!  But does being able to perform incredible physical feats mean one is really learning from the practice?  Of course not!  J.’s video is great for sparking a conversation that will hopefully frankly answer questions like:

• Why do you practice?
• What have you learned from practicing?
• Do you consider yourself advanced or what you do advanced?
• Has this practice helped you to become the person you want to be in the world?

We would love to hear your thoughts about this and how your practice helps you with all bodies physical, mental, and emotional.  A top secret ADVANCED yoga tip:

All three bodies are connected and working on one will always affect the others.