Grrr

[ladysprite]

I could deal with the fact that my yoga teacher is raising class prices to avoid having to close her studio. We all have to earn a living.

I could deal with the fact that she's starting to change the focus of class from meditation and flow to core-strength training. I really would prefer more of a balance; I was kind of upset that when I went in looking for a chance to focus on flow and balance and inner harmony in order to avoid another night of insomnia, I instead was forced to spend an hour and a half pulsing between one-legged downward dog and pushups (I lost count somewhere after 80). But... to each their own, I guess, and she's the teacher, so she can choose the focus of her classes.

I could deal with her tongue-bathing the new student with praise. I'm not sure why he is a "true yogi" for being able to get halfway into a pose I mastered months ago, but hey, she has to earn money, and if flattery will get people to return, I can understand why she does it.

I could deal with her running late. I would be less annoyed by this if she actually warned us like she used to when I started going to this studio, and asking if we were able to stay late, instead of scolding me when I mentioned, a few minutes after class end when she hadn't even started wrapping up, that I ought to leave soon. (Apparently, I am supposed to let her know in advance if I need class to end on time; I should assume she's going to run late.)

Also, her running late would bother me a lot less if I hadn't been locked out of class for arriving *one* minute late a few weeks ago.

BUT.... after I've told her that I need to get out on-time-ish, after tolerating an hour and a half long death march of pushups, when all I want is the peace and relaxation of the five-minute meditation she does at the end of class.... when instead of letting us start meditating she spends the next I-don't-know-how-many minutes talking loudly with the new student, stroking him like an evil mastermind with a Persian cat while the rest of us are unable to either join the conversation *or* get on with meditating, that's a bit too much for me to tolerate on top of everything else.

I had to leave before she even started meditation. I went there to let go of stress and tension, and came home more angry and tense and upset than when I started.

Methinks it's time to find a new studio.

Comments

[modpixie.livejournal.com]

my current yoga teacher worked with this woman for a time after she graduated from the same class at kripalu. when she took over some of DG's classes, she noticed that a lot of the students were hurting themselves.

make of that what you will.

medford might be out of the way for you, but i really love my current teacher, and i would highly recommend her.

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Medford is home for me. :) Where are you going now? I've been looking for new studios online, and not finding much...

[modpixie.livejournal.com]

genabean teaches at the karate studio on mondays and wednesdays. she is seriously awesome.

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

WTF. So very sorry, dear. Seriously, find some happy-feel-good YouTube videos. If you want, I can give you a list.

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Thank you - actually, I wound up self-medicating with Top Chef. :) I am Team Carla all the way, and last night's episode was very good for my mood....

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

unh - unh - unh - GO CARLA!

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that 100% sounds like new studio time.

Maybe she is trying to pick up the new student?

[braider.livejournal.com]

Honestly? I would point her to this post so she knows why you're leaving.

[starcat-jewel.livejournal.com]

I would agree. There's nothing there for you any more, and the changes in the teacher's habits are making it difficult for you. This is a clear case of, "If it's not working, it's time to do something else."

[aries-walker.livejournal.com]

More love, more comfort, also for you. Keep this up and I'll have to place a Special Order for good karma to flow your way.

[hfcougar.livejournal.com]

I doubt it is only the economy putting this charming individual out of business.

[modpixie.livejournal.com]

speaking as someone who used to take classes with ladysprite, the teacher is easily one of the least congenial individuals i've ever met. it's kind of amazing that she's still in business.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Sounds that way, yeah...

[meranthi.livejournal.com]

If you're looking for relaxation and this studio isn't giving it, definitely time for a new one.

And I just want to say that "tongue-bathing with praise" is a fantastic phrase.

[flowing-dancer.livejournal.com]

For myself, my studio is in my home, I do my yoga and my meditation when I have time. I do better guiding myself with some visualizations I have learned than having someone else do it. I also have more of a workout with my own constructed routine than any other teacher is likely to give me on an ongoing basis. I might go to learn a few new things, but that is very dependent on the instructor.

One of the bellydance classes taught at my school has a yoga warmup for 30 min, and a yoga cooldown. I use a yoga warmup for the class I teach, but it is short and only a warmup.

You might look into meditation techniques and do your own at home?

[mindways]

If you find a new place you like, let me know about it!

(The only one I'm personally aware of in more than a "can find it on Google" way is the O2 studio in Somerville; I walk past it all the time, and someone I know recommended it.)

[mbumby.livejournal.com]

Methinks it's time to find a new studio.

Sounds like! It's never easy to end a relationship, but is sounds like this one has long since begun to smell.