Laughing Lotus

Laughing Lotus Logo (until I upload my photos)

By now, Laughing Lotus is a venerable Yoga Studio on the New York scene, and just about every drop I’ve heard about this place, has been glowing. But I was dubious, especially when I was blinded by the colors, almost the minute I entered. “Ah”, said my inner voice, “bohemian charm”, much like Kula Yoga . But the studios are almost nothing alike, and I am sheepishly ashamed at having been so judgmental.

Both classes I took at Laughing were stunning challenging, the teachers are uniquely creative with “flow”, gifted with a sense of playfulness, and easy dharmic insights. The midnight class with it’s live music (cello the night I went), soothing style, and accessibility shouldn’t be missed. Yet, what I was most impressed with was not LL’s warm and spacious studio, the free *filtered* water/tea and organic oreos, lengthy library, quiet meditative spaces, and mat storage, but their students. I have never met friendlier faces, and they make jokes! In a city where I learned to focus on “my own thing”, look ahead, get ahead and never look back. Ever. It’s touching to encounter a welcoming face, from people who aren’t paid to do it.

Now I have to say it, and I’m embarrassed typing it, after that exceedingly exuberant review, but I just wish that I got at least one adjustment during any of the three classes I attended. Maybe it was something I said.

 

Jivamukti

Jivamukti Sign on Broadway

Jivamukti, the near legendary yoga studio (turned celebrity hangout), that started it all. Some people might point to California as the birth place of Vinyasa, the yoga syle that would dominate the American yoga-scape. Even still its influence is undeniable.

On top of all that reputation, Kristin my teacher was an alum from this studio, so in my mind, EVERYONE here would be just-like-her. Almost true. But I was curious, and so was willing to swallow my pride, and be the worst one in class to see what all the fuss was about. I wasn’t disappointed. The class was so vigorous I perspired like I was in hot yoga. I hadn’t expected that and had come sans-towel. I persevered and ignored the fact that I became the sweatiest person in the fairly filled room, but eventually gave in, and became that yogi, the one that steps on everyone’s mat to get to the door, because the sweat is blinding her.

I had expected a humbling experience, but instead it was uplifting. The dharma was inspiring, the kirtan (chanting) a little hard to follow, but I appreciated her encouraging description of our “shining souls” as we chanted. Most of all, I admired how she gave each student in the class a meaningful adjustment, no easy feat given that there were over 30 students in the room.

The room was set up so the students were facing each , but not so close together that eye contact was inevitable, there was a roomy aisle in the corridor of sun-saluting bodies. The set up was disorienting at first, my reflection after all was a man. But as the class continued and the postures became progressively more challenging, I found that not only by breath, but my “reflection” were acting as my anchor, and I can’t say I minded.

I felt invigorated after my class at Jivamukti, and I liked it enough to try it again. The second time, was even more challenging then the first, the kirtan if possible was even more lovely, and yet I found it wasn’t nearly as centering. The students seemed noisier, more restless, and the teacher at times was just…loud.

Overall, my experience at Jivamukti was what i hoped it would be, and I see why it’s reputation proceeds it. If it were priced about a hundred dollars less a month, I would probably sign up. But it seems the price tag includes the celebrity hang out portion of its reputation which I could really do without.

Jivamukti from outside

Hallway

Jivamukti bookstore