This week I came across two very different videos — and spotted a new studio — that made me wonder:
What is more yogic?
Dancing in the aisles of your local grocery store?
Contortionist asana break dancing in an empty room lined with broken glass?
CC Credit: garybirnie.co.uk
Or going to a yoga class in a corporate studio in a mecca of high-end shopping?
On the one hand, I love the democratic inclusiveness of The Levity Project’s grocery store dancing video. Plus, their mission sounds very yogic to me:
The Levity Project is a social movement creating change through public acts of play, laughter, and celebration. The mission of The Levity Project is to help decrease the spirit of negativity, stress, and fatigue in our society by infusing public spaces with a lighter and more buoyant energy. . . Our goal is to create a global community in which people come together to create an upward spiral of global positive social change.
On the other hand, I really love the mad moves and crazy grace of this breakdancer. Plus I find the combination of the broken glass on the sidelines and the music he’s playing very evocative:
Sail!
This is how I show my love
I made it in my mind because
I blame it on my A.D.D. babyThis is how an angel cries
I blame it on my own supply
Blame it on my A.D.D. baby
Maybe I should cry for help
Maybe I should kill myself
Blame it on my A.D.D. babyMaybe I’m a different breed
Maybe I’m not listening
So blame it on my A.D.D. babySail!
Finally, I have to wonder about the “yogic-ness” of the following description:
Beyond yoga classes, expect lifestyle programming that will support you in your evolution in yoga and life. The yoga studio has a state-of-the-art sound system with the most advanced climate-controlled environment. Changing rooms have been meticulously designed with modern amenities to maximize comfort and contain showers and private lockers. We strive to create an environment that’s cozy, soft and welcoming – a spa away from home. Our full boutique will offer all of the yoga essentials; high-quality, high-fashion yoga wear for men and women that’s fun and trendy!
I’m planning to take a anthropological expedition to this studio sometime (pith helmet, please) to check out the classes and see how they feel. I know that they have some great teachers over at chain, and don’t want to make any uniformed judgments.
Nonetheless, based simply on image and mission, I’d take the grocery store and break dancing as more yogic in my book any day.
And you? Yes, no, maybe – or is it too judgmental and “un-yogic” to say?
