I have unknowingly embarked on a journey to unravel the culture behind the practice of yoga. Unbeknownst to me because my initial motivation in engaging in yoga took an unanticipated turn as I delved deeper down the rabbit hole. Let me explain.

Two months ago I decided to take up another form of mindfulness training that incorporated a component of physical exercise as well. On my list of proposed activities was Tai chi, Yoga, and an acrobatic circus art called aerial silks. Of the three I chose yoga. Much like the challenging decision faced by Goldilocks, I chose yoga because it seemed "just right". Tai chi seemed too slow, aerial silks too fast and yoga being the perfect balance between the two. 

I wanted to understand first hand the differences between the yoga studios, to successfully discover the one “I belonged to". Not to mention being a starving student, I wanted to find the best bang for my buck and so found no better way than to give each of them a brief go. I put my thinking cap on and found a way to satisfy all above criterion and stumbled upon a great idea. Practically every yoga studio offered an introductory month to all new students at a nominal cost, and this was my way in. 

I started at Downward Dog on Queen St. known as the toughest (most physically challenging) studio in Toronto. The teachers at this studio—a conglomerate of—highly trained (in their perspective athletic field) group of intensely driven individuals. For example on the team resided a professional body builder, gymnast, and ex circus contortionist! This made for intense workouts to say the least, but it lacked something that I couldn't quite put my finger on just yet. The participating students at this studio wore brightly coloured, and intricately detailed yoga pants with pride. They formed what seemed to be cliques around their favored teachers and in a sense deified them with adorning praise, while complete silence prevailed in the change room amongst us. The group of students that I found to be open, talkative and engaged, (in more than the mere pursuit of being the best and subsequently regarded as the best) were those over 45 years of age. Come to think of it perhaps we formed a similar group or clique differentiating ourselves from our younger less socially engaging counterparts. As time went by I continued feeling energized and powerful from the workouts but still missing an imperative component, and it was not until I started at the next studio that I realized what that missing element was.

Next I enrolled at Yoga Space on Ossington Ave. This studio was a tranquil, slower paced studio in comparison to the one previous. The teachers who taught at Yoga Space were all trained not only in the physical modality of yoga but also embodied the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of yoga from its original source. Each and every move was demonstrated and deliberately taught to exemplify the physiological, psychological, and spiritual significance of the move in a pedagogical manner. It was after the third day here that I realized what the last place was missing—the “Zen like” deliverance of the understanding of why yoga is practiced in the first place. A practice in mindfulness of mind, body, and soul being emphasized as a core value made this experience a soothing one. As a reflection of this reverence for the art of yoga the participants along with the teachers were friendly, open, and seemingly willing to help with anything (yoga related or not). Although I didn’t break much of a sweat, (and for me this was somewhat dissatisfying) the space was inviting and nurturing. An interesting observation surfaced when it became salient that the yoga attire worn at this studio reflected a more subtle, quiet, earth-toned, and simple composition. It was clear to me that I had now experienced two distinct schools of yoga practice, which was taking shape to unravel the ideal yoga space that I belonged in. Piecing together the components of what I appreciated, admired, wanted, and needed to remain fully engaged in yoga practice my search continued…   

Next I am heading to the third yoga studio on my list called Octopus Garden on College St. I have formed a chain of daily yoga practice that I aim to keep linked as I explore the entire yoga community here in Toronto and who knows perhaps beyond! I invite any and all interested parties to join me on this exciting journey as I search for my (not too cold or too hot) bowl of yoga.