It's going to be Jan3. We'll have 30 minutes of yoga, then 30 minutes of journaling. I hate to sound like I'd be the only one leavng early.....you all seem just as surprised as I was. Maybe a LOT of people will go have coffee nearby.

Back to what arcy said, I was curious so did some cursory googling, including to my own faith’s belief on the matter. There is of course diversity of thought out there, but the underlying thread seemed to be that like any tool, it all comes down to how you use it. One can incorporate aspects of yoga into one’s faith system and use it as a component of prayer. There are many examples of practices and traditions being adapted into Christian tradition, and it would appear that yoga can be one of them. It requires being mindful of where you are keeping your inner focus.

Thirty minutes of journaling seems like a long time, in a group, after a class. Will the instructor be looking at it? I don’t imagine so. Hence, what you write is yours alone (and you can write it as prayer, arcy.)

I would say, “no, thank you.”

I don't set things like goals.

Perhaps some people think of journaling in different ways. I don't so much write about the meaning of life these days but I personally find it very useful to create daily goals and sometimes in writing, covering chores I need to get done, bills that might need to be paid, planned exercise, people to call or see. Without concrete goals a day could go by sitting and reading a book and eating snacks, not such a bad thing actually but too much of that will eventually cause consequences when the chores are not done and the bills not paid. So my compromise is daily goals with time left over.

Some of us are open to aspects of Christianity and Eastern religion and practice. There is no "one right path" for everyone, and that's part of the beauty of the journey.

A goal is something you want to achieve. It doesn't necessarily mean getting an upcoming promotion or moving to a different neighborhood. My kitchen whiteboard keeps me on track with my short-term goals, e.g., deposit check, spackle nail holes, call DD. It helps me remember things and it also gives me a sense of accomplishment when I check things off my list.

I can't imagine not having some sort of goal to aim for.

I would still attend the class. One is never too old for new experiences. Journaling your intentions and thoughts can be quite essential for continued growth no matter your age.

“ GO TO CHURCH AND SAY A PRAYER.”

Which church?

Nicole, I’m a curious person — I’d go check it out. It might be fun or interesting or dumb, but at least you’ll know. ;)

Journaling is fine if it's something you want to try or feel open to. If you've tried it and feel it's not right for you, then skip it. You didn't sign up and pay for a journaling class. What I find irksome about the notion is that you've paid for an hour of yoga (among many). Now the instructor is going to use half an hour for something else. It could be singing carols, or hemming cafe curtains, or boiling eggs.

I can imagine they will ask, "anyone want to share what they wrote?" Some will, and you'll have to endure that.

Ida Claire Yoga has it's roots in Hinduism and Buddhism and is part of those religions. I think it's probably okay for Christians to practice yoga, as long as they stay away from the spiritual side.

And Christmas has it's roots in pagan Solstice rituals.

I would just assume that your teacher learned something that he/she is excited to share. You mention that your teacher just took a course. Maybe they believe when you learn something - you teach something?

I would participate even though I don’t write or journal. I would do it out of curiosity even though going in I would expect my journal to end with - Fa la la la la, I just can’t write. LOL

Never in a million years would it cross my mind that this was a wierd money grab, trying to steal 30 minutes of yoga time. That is just crazy to me that so many people went there.

Yoga combines mind and body, maybe someone came up with a fun new way to see things? Worst case scenario, the tool just isn’t for you going forward.

I think the problem I'd have is that 30 min is a *long* time. If she said 5 min of journaling, I don't think it would be so irksome.

And I think the other part is it doesn't seem voluntary. In the last yoga class I attended, the teacher made it very clear that we had no need to do what she said. If she was doing one pose and we just wanted to lay there, or do a child's pose, fine by her. She made suggestions, but we were all empowered to do what was right for us. I think journaling is so far removed from what most people go to yoga for, that I would imagine there'd be some pushback.

I would probably be curious about this and participate although I don't journal and only practice yoga sporadically.

Because I was curious, I did find this:

https://www.momoyoga.com/en/blog/how-journaling-can-deepen-your-yoga-practice

Never in a million years would it cross my mind that this was a wierd money grab, trying to steal 30 minutes of yoga time. That is just crazy to me that so many people went there.

Who said it was a money grab? I assume the class has already been paid for. She's not charging extra. She gets the same amount, whether it's all yoga, or has something else mixed in. The money issue is that people paid for an hour of yoga. If she does something else for 30 minutes, the attendees aren't getting what they paid for and they have a right to feel irked. If they enjoy the journaling, yay!

"It's an hour long class. This activity is a one time thing"

So why is this an issue? I would just tell the instructor that this isn't really what I'm interested in so I would be skipping that one class.

Don't look for issues where there is an easy solution,

Well....the yoga instructor left us with a substitute & left for her Christmas vacation. :0) I wasn't able to ask if the journaling was a ONE TIME thing....or...??? I don't know. I did Google it. Seems it's something they're doing now. 🎁🎁🎁

@Suzieque...No issue. Just asking if anyone else thinks this is odd....One minute we're trying to stand on our head, do air splits...we're going to stop and journal. Like a LOT of people said. It's an exercise class...so this is unexpected.

I find humor in this. 😂 That's just me.

But you said above that it is a one time thing. Now you say you weren't able to ask. Huh? It sounds to me as though the substitute is doing something different for her stint while substituting. So don't go!

Also, I know it's hard to read tone of voice in posts, but it looks like you're resenting the instructor for getting a substitute and going on vacation (note the smily after your sentence). Gee .... she's allowed to do that. Would you rather she just not get a sub? And skip the time she'll be away?

Honestly, are you just looking to complain? Or looking for a topic to be debated here? If you don't like it, Just. Don't. Go.

Do you have opportunities to provide feedback to the instructor? Yes, I understand that there are many mindful practices, such as journaling, that are very beneficial but devoting half of a yoga class to it seems a bit presumptuous. I'm glad your instructor is continuing her training but feel that the group should be offered the opportunity to provide input about incorporating her trainings into a class. I retired from a field that required a lot of training--I provided many, many trainings and also participated in trainings. Over the years mindfulness activities became more and more popular. We trained a very wide and incredibly diverse audience. We were also very trauma sensitive and I would never include an activity without including it in the course write up, and also researching how any particular activity could affect individuals in the group. Those seeking growth and comfort through yoga may not necessarily be comfortable with journaling. And one of the first things I was trained in about trauma sensitive yoga is that people need to know what to expect, and no one should participate in anything that feels remotely uncomfortable.

Our instructor is AWESOME. She also says if you just want to do child pose or sleep through her class, that's fine. She really is just THE BEST. No complaints.

It's humorous to me. 😂

Ok, maybe many of us just misunderstood your original post and question.

@teeda...like I said...if I wake up and I'm above ground...that was MY intention. 😂 I could journal. But my short term goals and long term goals have merged. I'm old...and so is the majority of the class. Staying limber...keeping my balance....that's Yoga.

Nicole, you do understand now you HAVE to go? We‘ll need an update. 😁

I would absolutely go. You have nothing to lose, really, and it might be end up being a quietly profound moment.

eta to remove disappearing ink comment.

😂 Yeah....maybe. Or ....maybe we'll have another white-out snow storm. 😂 I miss a lot of classes. I had to journal for a Psych 101 class in college. It was a graded assignment. I remember the instructor reading a page of it out loud. I must have turned 3 shades of red.

Does Arcy delete her own posts? ? ?

I remember in Grade 12 English the class had to close their eyes, listen to a piece of music and then at the end write down their thoughts as to how the music made them feel. Well, I failed. It was the first and last time that I did that kind of ridiculous assignment. I would never ever ever journal in a yoga class.

Why do you miss a lot of classes, but are concerned by potentially missing this class?

I would think it's more likely that Arcy's posts were flagged.

I can see her post — I have to click on ”see [number] more comments” up at the top.

Arcy's comment is still there. It's in the 21 other comments.

ETA jinx!

@Suzieque...We really DO have harsh weather up here. It's a narrow one lane winding road to leave, to go anywhere. I spend a LOT of time here at the house. I'm laughing, finding humor, in how my life is out-of-my-control at times.

"Ida Claire Yoga has it's roots in Hinduism and Buddhism and is part of those religions. I think it's probably okay for Christians to practice yoga, as long as they stay away from the spiritual side."

I don't allow anyone else to impose constraints on the evolution of my spiritual faith. With all due respect, please stay in your lane.

I've practiced yoga for more than half my life. I also taught for many years. It wouldn't occur to me to add extensive journaling to my practice or to a class I was teaching. Many people find journaling fruitful, but I'm not among them. I've taken notes at workshops, but that's different. The classes I taught weren't long enough to add time for journaling. I wouldn't have added something so different unless the entire class wanted me to do so.

Yoga pre-dates both Hinduism and Buddhism. Since all of them developed in the same general geography it isn't surprising that the newer philosophies incorporate aspects of earlier one. Most yoga that is taught in the United States is some form of hatha yoga - the physical practice. Many classes aren't even what I consider yoga. They uses the physical poses/postures in an exercise program. My interest has always been the interconnectedness among the body, breath, mind, contemplation and eventually meditation. Part of it is a physical practice and part of it is spiritual.

Intentionality is not at all like a resolution or goal-setting. Think of intention as being more of an invitation or an exploration. There is value in approaching each practice or even each asana (pose/posture) with intention. It's easiest to start with the body, since it's the most accessible. That's definitely what I would do for a journal, especially if there's any expectation of sharing with others. Keep it simple. You could have the intention of noticing how your feet feel in each asana. Notice without judgment. Just notice and then let it go. Maybe you clench your jaws. Your intention could be to notice how your jaws feel as you are in each asana, or before and after the practice. Notice that the intention isn't "stop clenching my jaws." Eventually you can do the same thing with the constantly chattering mind, the breath or emotions. I wouldn't be inclined to write about it, but many people love to journal. Each to her own.

nicole, I'm with you on any kind of workout. I go there to workout and go home. I'm on a mission. I wouldn't want to waste that time journaling-with a bunch of other people. I personally, would get nothing out of it in a group.

I guess, as long as the instructor doesn't make it a habit and you really like the class otherwise, I'd just miss that one. Although, I hate missing a workout-so I get it. I'd bet there are others in the class that feel the same way.

There are several widowed people, some newly so, in my classes. I'm pretty sure the informal cup of tea and conversation after the session does them more good than solitary introspection in it would. They come out of their homes to avoid that.

If you like and respect the instructor, and it seems you do, trust that you may have a positive experience. Try something new; if you enjoy it- or don’t enjoy it, share that with the instructor.

Excellent post Moxie. I'm not a regular yoga practitioner, but I used to go to twice weekly classes.

Around that time I remember reading about a yoga competition, which seems so antithetical to what yoga is all about.

Moxie quote: It wouldn't occur to me to add extensive journaling to my practice or to a class I was teaching.

Yes! I really DO like the instructor. The journaling thang...I think it's off the mark for an exercise class. JMO I'd rather she give pointers on difficult poses or rattle off more theories behind poses....telling what muscles it engages if done properly.....like she usually does.

She vacations in Costa Rica a LOT. If she wanted to use up class time...not doing yoga...I'd like to hear more about her vacay. 🥰

If the weather permits, I'll go.

I went to my expert (nice neighbor who leads Yoga groups) and asked.

Yes, journaling is helpful if wanting to get the full benefits of sessions. Every few months she will take time in her classes to refresh the suggestion of keeping a journal. She thinks that setting aside 30 minutes (once) to explain the why and how of keeping a journal is not unreasonable.

She also suggested to search “Yoga Journaling” for reasons why.

Namaste

They started 30 minutes before class, I got there 20 minutes early. It's just general, no Yoga goal type entries. She says she plans on introducing OTHER non-yoga type things into her class....to compliment Yoga. It was fine.

I, for one, appreciate the update. Makes more sense now.

Did you participate? Or did you wait quietly for the part you wanted, yoga, to start? Did you interrupt what they were already underway with? Courtesy, imo, would say that you either get there on time for something or you get there a few minutes before the next thing would start, in order to not be a disruption. But ... I wasn't there, you were, so you know best how it all came together. In any case, congrats in going and thank yu for the update.

Wow.

I'm glad you were able to get clarity on how it would go and that it was fine. It sounds like your instructor is creative and engaged!

Like I said...if I wake up and I'm above ground...that was MY intention. 😂 SECOND BEST COMMENT EVER!

But my short term goals and long term goals have merged. FIRST BEST COMMENT EVER!

Nicole, I read your comments to DH and we were amused by both and awed by #2. Kids under 65 might not appreciate it as we do, but you nailed our moment in time. Thank you for a great laugh and a wonderful answer to people who want to know our new year’s resolutions ❤️

@Suisieque....I'm a joiner. The email said 30 minutes would be journaling, it didn't say to arrive 30 minutes early which was confusing. I assume the few that got there 30 minutes early, were people that normally arrive 30 minutes early to stretch out, chat, reserve a spot or grab a chair to use for balance...or grab a block. I arrived 20 minutes early because the weather & traffic got me there early. The next snow storm is today. Usually I have bad weather to contend with this time of year. Several of us arrived at the same time. We hung out with the instructor & picked up a journal. She went over "things we could address when journaling". She suggested ideas such as a fantasy win of a lottery, "What if we won a $Billion$ dollars", how would THAT change our lives.

Short term & long term goals having merged.....may have occurred to the yoga instructor....thus...the fantasty of unlimited money could be considered as something to write about.

We had a GOOD Yoga session....as usual. It's a good group!

Fantasising about huge material wealth and doing yoga seem strange bedfellows to me. Personally, I'd be looking for a new class, but that's just me. I do two yoga classes a week, with two different instructors. I've tried other teachers but I have no patience with the airy fairy side of it so I've stuck with down to earth teachers who just do a combination of physical workout and relaxation.

@floraluk2...I think the money win idea was to focus on what you find important. Would you give grandchildren college educations? Would you donate to a childrens hospital or an animal rescue? If you have no goals of your own....what "cause" would you take up?.....thinking past yourself and your needs type question. In my world....I'm feeling fullfilled drinking a cup of tea. Not much to journal about there. 😂

Thanks for the update. As long as the Not Yoga time didn't interfere with the amount of Yoga time, then I'd be good with it as well.

The instructor offering a complimentary session on journaling before class is great. Too bad this extra option was not communicated more successfully.