8/2/2009
"Simply the best! Karma yoga is hidden gem in the Detroit area. The . . . teachers are amazing . . . They challenge you to do your best without making you feel like you have to be a yoga superstar."
Erynn and I were going to another school's class but when we arrived we learned the class was canceled. Luckily I remembered that Karma had a Vinyasa class starting in 25 minutes. Sweet. We had more then enough time to make it over. Slipping the CR-V into go fast mode, we arrive with 10 minutes to spare.
Walking in, I noticed right away that Karma was not as "touchy-feely" as I, "Mr. Strong Like Bull", expected. In fact, it was the "mellowest" yoga studio I've ever seen. After a quick chat with the staff we learn that while the class was not geared toward beginners, they encourage people to practice at their comfort level. SWEET! 'Cause I ain't no spring chicken gosh darnit! We grab a mat and head in.
The studio itself is painted a very calming purple like color that surely has a name other then "purple like". Wood floor. Big draped window. Top notch sound system. Lots of blocks and blankets for butt comfort. So far, so good.
The class began with Katherine (our leader for this session) helping us find what we planned to leave on the mat. Huh? Whatever. Let's stretch I thought! I'm not leaving anything on that mat. That would be odd.
She fires up the requisite touchy-feely soundtrack. Wait, this song is cool. I've never heard it before, but I do like it. The first few poses are easy. I am a 3 class yoga master after all!
Plank. Downward dog. Leg up. Shoulders down. Breathe. Man, I am so confused. At that moment, Katherine says, as if she could sense my discombobulation, "look at your neighbor or the person across from you. Follow their example. You can do this." And I did. It wasn't pretty, but I did it.
Jump ahead . . .
The room feels like it's 1000 degrees. Smells okay though. Let's keep doing yoga. I got this!
Jump a little more . . .
Boy, it's really hot in this room. And my kunuder muscle hurts. I think. But Katherine appears, reassuring me and explaining how to alter the pose to meet my ability. Cool.
One last jump . . .
Okay, I think you get where I'm going with this review. Karma and it's staff know how to help you have an enjoyable yoga experience. The facility is top notch. So are the people. I wanted to leave nothing on the mat at first. After a while I wanted to leave my week's stress and pickup a little more focus. That happened. In spades. As a bonus, my eldest daughter was happy. I never asked her what she "left on the mat", but when we were done and leaving she was happy. And I helped. Thanks Karma.
-John G., Southfield