Morning vs. evening yoga classes
There are a lot of people who will tell you that yoga is supposed to be done first thing in the morning. This belief was sort of drilled into our heads in training, too, and I just don’t believe it’s true.
The best time to do yoga, is the time you do yoga.
That said, there are inevitably different benefits to when and how you decide to practice, and my new teaching schedule is a reflection of that.
Sunday nights are a prep night for me, and a lot of people. School is on Monday. Work is on Monday. The week is beginning. I, personally, like the reminder to rest at that threshold, which is why I wanted to offer a slow flow + yoga nidra class that evening. It feels like the prep we actually need, vs. the prep we think we need. My hope is that it can be a different kind of prep - one that says, you actually don’t need to push so hard. And you’re beyond good and beyond worthy, even when you’re lying here on the floor….doing nothing.
If you are new to yoga nidra, the easiest way to explain it is as a form of guided rest, or conscious relaxation; a meditation, of sorts. Yoga nidra is actually the state between waking and dreaming….like the feeling you have right before you fall asleep. Getting into that state more intentionally, and more frequently, has been a hugely helpful practice in my life, and for this reason it’s probably my favorite form of yoga to teach. It’s magic…and will help you slough off tension before bed and sleep really well Sunday night, too :)
My new Tuesday early bird class (6-7 a.m.) is inspired by a very particular group of people in Illinois. I taught an early class there, and the same crew showed up every week and it was A. Time. I have such fond memories of that class. We were so sleepy, but everyone was so committed. The energy, in that hour, very palpably changed, and we all went into our day the better for it. I will say, the magic in early morning yoga is the mindset it gives you for the rest of your day. Grounded. Empowered. Full of clarity. Like you can do anything, and meet any challenge more mindfully.
And on that note, I wanted to create a Yoga for Beginner’s Series because I know what it’s like to return to practice after time off, and it’s intimidating! And I remember going to classes when I was totally new and had never done yoga before, and that was intimidating, too. So starting Thursday this week, for six weeks, I’m leading a series that is designed to take the pressure off. It’s also an early bird class - from 6-7 a.m. - so there is potentially a habit shift in getting out the door that early (for me too! 😅) but this is inspired by the prenatal/postnatal series classes I taught in Boulder for years, where (like Illinois, though that was spontaneous) it’s the same people every class. Series classes build a really sweet, safe container, and that makes it more than just mindful movement. It becomes a dedicated practice community.
Whether you’re an early bird, a night owl, or somewhere in between, there’s a place for you on your mat. Join me in Erie, CO Sundays, Tuesdays, and/or Thursdays and find the practice that fits your life. I’d love to see you there 💛