Italy. The land of pizza, pasta, amazing architecture, gelato, fashion forward style, ancient ruins and Iyengar Yoga! While on my vacation in Italy I sought out an Iyengar Yoga studio in Parma, Italy. I was blessed to find Laura, who owns Studio Yoga, Parma’s sole Iyengar studio. Laura is warm and welcoming and offered for me to use the studio for my own personal practice while here. I got to take my very first guided class of the year with her today.
One of the things I LOVE about Iyengar yoga is the universal language and actions. Even though the class was taught in Italian, well, a mix at times of English and Italian, I understood perfectly well the actions she was after. Of course, her sharp discerning eye was ever watchful to make sure we got it and that is another quality I love about this style of yoga. You cannot cheat your way through posture practice! All Iyengar teachers have their own style and approach but underlying are the principles we adhere to. This makes it possible to go anywhere and take classes and study and be on the same page so to speak.
Laura skillfully taught the class from the ground up starting with foot work and building up the body. After almost three weeks in Italy and severe cold temps, at least for this Tampa, Florida native, she was wise to warm us up well. Two hours of practice made me feel like I was born again! All the carbs, cheese, sweets were slowly twisted out of me. Not to mention the powerful affects in the mind. Not doing my normal practice daily really showed me how quickly the muscles can creep back into their old patterns without daily reminders. The muscles don’t forget but the body must keep moving forward. That’s how real progress sticks and transformation occurs.
I look forward to fitting in a few more classes while I am here and continuing to learn and grow. I am so thankful for the Iyengar community and how they have embraced me on my journey to become a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. It takes years, intense practice and dedication, however it’s not about the destination but the journey. Kinda like travel. What happens along the way is the most amazing part.
Written by owner of ZOE Yoga Lifestyle
Dina Georgoulis