Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Interesting debate

So while many people are focused on the economy, tax time, and world unrest I have a somewhat less weighty debate going on in my mind today. Yoga class... temple of silence and devotion or place of some levity and even the occasional cell phone ring?

Let me put both points of view to you and then you weigh in with your thoughts.

1. Temple of sacred silence:

Some places are meant to be quiet and non-disruptive. Movie theaters, plays, and yoga classes. People come to these places to be transported to another world and interruptions such as cell phones really hinder this process. Cell phones and extraneous laughter and shenanigans should be put on hold for the duration of the class.

2. Yoga Comedy Central with sound effects:

Learning to focus irregardless of distractions is part of the yogic practice. A little ringing music or wise-cracking is good for the spirit. Life is filled with ruts and bumps to overcome and eventually cherish. You might as well incorporate this healthy point of view into your class and go with the flow. Giggle, giggle, snort, snort.

What do you think? I'll tell you my impression (if you haven't guessed already!) after you weigh in with your thoughts.

Namaste,


Jan

And for the truly absurd, check out the Buddha Phone.

8 comments:

bodaat said...

Ok, I'll admit. I'm more of the peaceful yoga person. I went 2 weekends ago and some dude started snoring and it totally threw me off. I just couldn't help but focus on his poor deviated septum. :)

Jan Holt said...

I totally get it! Personally, I love the snoring because I dig other people's relaxation but I have been in the other place too when it drives me bonkers.

Deanna said...

Absolutely temple of sacred silence. No matter how focused a person is - the racket is going to transport you back from your peaceful place.

Renee said...

I really prefer the peace and quiet- since I don't ever have that at home, yoga class is my peaceful escape. Of course I don't mind a tad bit of quiet talk too. Stopping by from SITS!

Jan Holt said...

Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts on this. I absolutely value your opinions and feelings. I really get what you are saying about the need for a little peacefulness in our lives.

Tune in this weekend to see where I fall on this spectrum of quiet to quixotic yoga class...

gypsy-heart said...

I love to laugh, but I prefer no "extraneous" laughter during yoga class...or cell phones. :)

Interesting debate. I look forward to hearing your feelings on the matter.

Good energies to you,

~gypsy-heart

Visit Wrights Lane said...

I think it simply boils down to common courtesy -- respecting others' space, peace and need to focus -- be it a yoga class, church worship or theatre, all of which should be noise/disturbance free zones. There is a time and place for snoring, cell phones and frivolity.

Ryan Ashley Scott said...

I like quiet relaxation, but I'm fairly new at it, so I am easily distracted.

On the other hand, how can a giggle be all bad - if we're laughing, we're feeling good, right?