What Kind of Yogi Are You

1

What do you like to do first thing in the morning?

A sun salutation and a cup of green tea.

Jog around the neighborhood with my iPod on full blast.

Write in my journal or draw in my sketchbook.

It depends. Some mornings I need coffee, other days I want to listen to music.

2

When you come home from a long day at work, the first thing you want to do is:

Pray or meditate.

Take a bubble bath and read a good book.

Go to the gym.

Check out the newspaper for concerts, new movies, and other fun things to do.

3

I turn to yoga most when:

I'm feeling stiff joints or sore muscles.

I have something on my mind.

I want to try something new.

I need to unite myself with my body and with God.

4

What inspired you to try yoga for the first time?

The mind-body connection is important to me, and I was looking for a teacher who could help me enhance my practice.

I like new things, and am willing to try unconventional techniques and see how they affect me.

I had read that yoga is a great way to keep in shape and stay healthy.

It seemed like a way to integrate my spiritual and physical practices into one.

5

Pranayama (breathing practice) is:

The least important part of yogic practice.

Something I practice differently every time I do yoga.

A good way to oxygenate the muscles and heighten a workout.

An intrinsic aspect of my experience of yoga.

6

I think power yoga:

Is a great way to clear the body of toxins.

Is a shameful distortion of the traditional spiritual meaning of yoga.

Is an incredible way to get toned and fit.

Is worth a try, though I'm not sure it's real yoga.

7

Do you chant in Sanskrit as part of your yoga practice?

I don't chant, but I am open to it.

I would rather stretch than chant.

I chant, but not always in Sanskrit.

Yes.

8

People who use yoga as a relaxation technique:

Are right on target—it's very relaxing.

Are missing the traditional spiritual meaning of the practice.

Should continue to do so, but also try it for other benefits.

Are not using their bodies to their full potential.

9

How do you choose a yoga class?

I ask several friends and teachers whose opinions I value.

I try a few different classes until I settle on one I like.

I read though the course descriptions and pick the one that sounds most interesting.

I choose the one that works best for my schedule.

10

What do you think is most important in a yoga teacher?

He/she should always be available for questions or clarifications.

He/she should help me to feel connected to my body and spirit.

He/she should encourage students to push themselves and go out of their comfort zones.

He/she should have an outgoing, positive personality.

11

Outside of yoga class, how much do you consider yoga part of your lifestyle?

Not at all. Class is class, and yoga is just exercise.

A lot. Yoga doesn't end when class does- it's a way of life.

Not much. I'm not positive I even know what a yoga "lifestyle" is.

Somewhat. I try to be healthy and take good care of myself, but I don't follow one specific regimen.

12

After a yoga class, how do you feel?

Energized and revitalized. My heart rate is definitely up.

Aware of every part of my body and deeply connected to my spirituality.

Like I just learned something new!

Incredibly relaxed and peaceful, like I just woke up from a good night's sleep.