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I went to a new class yesterday and had a pretty interesting experience. Firstly when I arrived the teacher was lieing down over a bolster and doing a sort of meditation. When she got up she and started the class she didn't ask me if I had any injuries or anything physical (not to mention mental ) that she should know about. I was a bit surprised and I wasn't sure that I should tell her (or when I should tell her) when she was lieing down I wasn't sure if I should disturb her or not.

Anyway it was a pretty hard class and I've got a really sore back today. There were lots of times when I felt like, hum I don't really feel safe doing this, but becasue everyone else was I didn't feel like I could be the only one who opted out. I know this might sound a bit lame, I'm normally quite assertive but I felt a bit like I had to follow along. Is there any advice you could give me, like do you think I should have walked out, or just stopped if it didn't feel good? (pls take into account it was a pretty busy lunchtime class and I was probably the only one who felt like this).

Thanks for any help.

Hi Jen

I've so been there! Not wanting to "disturb" the teacher + felt like walking out so many times, and I've been in classes where I've been pushed really far. The only time I actually left was when I had a massive hangover & had to go and have a little puke

Remember, whenver you feel out of breath, or whenever you feel like the class is running away from you, that you can either go back to standing with your hands in prayer, or go back into baby pose.

One of the lessons I've learned over my time practicing, is that there is almost never any judgement from the teacher, and rarely judgement from your fellow pupils (we're all only human after all). What is best to keep in mind, is that you are following your path, and that Yoga isn't a competition class, its not about who can get deepest into postures, or who's Ujayyi breath or OM is the loudest. Try & focus on your body, and your breath, and if you've got questions, really do ask your teacher (or anyone who you feel comfortable with).

Its great your looking at practicing in your lunch, I wish I had the opportunity of a Yoga break in my dreary office day!

Reuben

Nice Reuben!!!! Honest yes, but a bit too much info .