Funky Friday
Walking into Jerome’s class this morning and Buena Vista Social Club is playing on the ipod. I unroll my mat and lay back just listening to the low chatter of people socializing and the backbeat of bongos and funky beats. There is a nice vibe in the studio. It’s Funky Friday and of course it sounds cool and when he says it with a French accent you think sounds fun, right? For me this means it could be very challenging, or very creative.
Today was a lttle bit of both. One would also assume that with a Funky Friday yoga class there would be some sort of groovy, vibey beat music. Not so with Jerome’s class. Did I mention that there is no music? He plays music before class and then after class. The only music you hear while you practice is the sing song sound of his voice mixed with your breathing. It’s quite beautiful, by the way, to hear 30 plus people breathing in rhythm together. Music, movement, meditation. There is electricity in the room you can feel as students find their way. His sequencing as always is different and surprising.
The focus seemed to be on hip openers and arm balances, both my favorite and both my most challenging. Lucky me. Let me see if I can describe. Downward dog splits to plank to chatturanga back to plank (all with the right leg lifted) then to knee on outside of right arm to eka pada koundinyasana (Flying splits) to chatturanga, through vinyasa…switch sides, on and on and on. I think I tried to rest once in Child’s pose and he said we’ll wait for Athena to continue. Great. I was up quick. And so after you’re drenched and tired and ready for a mellow hip opener we do even more arm balances, bhujapidasana (Shoulder pressing) after lots of backbends of course to release the back.
Then when I think I just cannot do another thing…it’s time, Savasana. Yay for savasana. I don’t think it can ever be long enough for me. I love this pose for so many reasons. Today I loved it for finally being able to rest.
