It may be the perpetual student in me, or maybe it’s just a general curiosity to dive into topics I enjoy, but since I first started taking yoga classes many years ago, I get excited when I see announcements for studio workshops. I can’t wait to see the upcoming topics. Then where there’s one that interests me, looking to see if it fits within my schedule. Or more to the point, how I might fit my schedule around it. And then of course, when signing up for a workshop, there’s that lovely anticipation feeling as I wait for the time to pass until the event itself.
I realize that when thinking of a yoga workshop, one might first think of a way of diving into the poses. Perhaps that’s work on balancing poses or a handstand workshop. There are certainly those, sessions to go in depth into modifications, or review poses to help build strength to move into a balancing pose. I’ve found these workshops to be helpful for me to strengthen my own practice and its foundation.
But then there may be workshops on breathwork or meditation, others that dive into aspects of yoga philosophy. Or at The Mat Yoga Studio, there are periodic “master classes” where the studio’s teachers can offer a workshop of a subject tied to one of their interests. I have attended some on nutrition, Ayurveda, astrology, and breathwork to name a few topics coming to mind.
Workshops are also a great way to learn from teachers you admire, especially if they may not be a local teacher. Teacher trainings can offer a great opportunity to a studio’s wider community by inviting other yoga teachers to come in and offer workshops, some of which are open to the community along with the teacher training students.
In addition to the subject, another consideration about workshops I’ve found is the idea of a little break from the routine for something enjoyable. On an average weekend, I may have errands to run or meal prepping to do, but on workshop weekends I know there are a few hours I’ve signed up for just for me while spending time learning with a wonderful community.
So how to find out about these different workshops? If you practice at a studio, you may see workshops announced in newsletters, if the studio has one, or on social media. And keep an eye on the studio’s website, since that may also be where the sign-ups or registrations will be available. I know I’ll be watching for upcoming workshops!
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
