SirPrize, Gosh, I used to BE a yoga instructor (on a pretty informal basis)! I have been studying it mostly with the same instructor for about 14 years. Definitely try another instructor/style; they aren't all like that! Yoga has its roots in religion (to be honest, I'm not sure whether it's Buddhism or Hinduism), but it is not at all necessary to be of that religious bent to enjoy and benefit from yoga. Some make more of the religious aspects than others, but people of all religions (or no religion) have found a place for yoga in their lives. I personally think that you get more out of yoga if you have some sort of inclination to spirituality, whether it is a formal system like Catholicism or Judaism, or simply a belief that there are mysteries of the universe beyond our grasp, and the corporeal world is not all there is. Even the term "yoga" actually refers to the yoking together--the balance between--mind, body, and spirit, and is designed to work with and harmonize all three aspects of the human being practicing yoga. At the same time, if you just want to use it to improve your flexibility, and want to avoid all of that foo-foo stuff, you can do that too.
SirPrize, I admire the way you step up and get the job done, and the way you cut through the clutter and get to the heart of the issue. If you have time, I would love to get your take on an issue in my sitch that has come up recently. I would like to get a male perspective (it seems like on these boards mostly men post to men and women to women), and I respect your opinions and find your advice to others here quite refreshing at times. (Jeff [Virtually Handsome], if you are reading, I'd say the same thing to you, and would love your opinion.)
Peace, Dawn
Me 45/H 47, no kids Together since 1985; M/1992 Bomb1 (EA-OW1, age 22) 2001 Bomb2 (EA/PA-OW2, age 22) 10/2007, A continues H left 11/24/08 minimal contact, no legal action http://tinyurl.com/DawnHope1
