What a Difference an Instructor Makes

After my first class with Yin Yoga, when I was quite surprised by the instructor, I was not feeling at all at peace with the experience.

However, whenever I try a new form of yoga, I like to experience it several times before I really know if it will benefit me at this time of my life. Each one of us is unique and the journeys we take as individuals inspire us to grow in different directions that in turn enable us to have the greatest effect on how we share or teach others.

With Yin Yoga, I knew in my heart that I would need to experience it through other instructors before making a decision. So I signed up for a Yin Yoga class at YYoga in North Vancouver, BC. The class was taught by Nico Luce, the co-owner of the studio.

Whenever I take a class, I like to be further up front so that I can hear and see the instructor, especially when it is a form that I am not familiar with. There were at least 25 people in the class and we spent the entire time on our mats.

Nico began the class with meditation and then went into asanas that were held for approximately five minutes. It was very much a learning experience on how to use our breath and trust our bodies to release the tensions in every area.

Nico was very, very clear on ensuring that the positioning of our bodies was correct to prevent any chance of strain or injury. He was also specific on what one might be feeling or the sensations that one may feel during a particular pose. During the class, as our bodies melted into each asana, he would speak of global balance and the sharing of peace and compassion.

His beautiful, nurturing spirit filled the room, touching all who were present. This is the type of instructor that a beginner – or someone who has hesitations about yoga – should come to for a solid introduction to yoga. For those of us who are experienced yogis, we can also benefit from a teacher like Nico, whose knowledgeable instructions remind us how a few simple adjustments can make a huge impact on our personal practice.

My experience with this class has convinced me to delve further into the benefits of Yin Yoga. By keeping an open mind, I was able to find a great instructor whose passion and commitment will continue to resonate with me as I continue on my life journey.

Thank you, Nico, for sharing your beauty with us.

[tags]good yoga instructor, patience, yin yoga, meditation, open mind[/tags]