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Dharma Mittra's Disciple Kicks My Butt
YogaCity
was recently invited to come and check out Steven Cheng’s monthly 3-hr. class at BodiBalance. They sent me. And I thought – Ha. I can do that. No problem. I’ve done plenty of 3-hr. classes and a couple
of daylong intensives. I take yoga two or three times a week, kickbox in between and jump rope when I’m feeling anxious.
Steven Cheng kicked my butt.
I went in with a cold and a nagging back spasm. After sweating hard for three hours, the cold went away but the spasm got worse. That was my fault. I’m not the kind of person to shy away from a variation. I’ll try it and I might land on my ass (softly) but I’ll try it. I think the Vasisthasanas may have had something to do with it. Or possibly the standing poses and arm balances – Eagle to Side Crow to Side Angle, Crow to Headstand to Chaturanga, Forearm to Scorpion, One Legged Crow to Full Locust (!), Handstand to Chaturanga (here I made an audible thud, sorry fellow yogis) and Peacock.
Seated poses included Gomukhasana, Janu Sirsasana, Parivrttra Janu Sirsasana, Infinity Pose and Pasasana. There was Pigeon to King Pigeon, Cobra to Full Cobra…
Lots and lots of yoga. If you want a work-out - a once-a-month-sweat so much that your clothes are drenched and you slip off your upper arms doing crow even though you are wearing pants work out - then this is it. Steven doesn’t spend a lot of time encouraging you to open your heart center or use any kind of bandha. He introduces the pose, adds some variations, and lets you have it.
He does open the class by encouraging the students to have fun and be careful. To find the yoga in ourselves. The class is held at BodiBalance, a dance, martial arts, open for hire kind of space that is large but with 25 students in attendance could have been larger. Be aware that there are no mats, blocks, blankets, towels or showers. I really wanted a shower after that class…And, for anyone practicing inversions, you must be able to do them in the center of the room as the walls are mirrored. That’s another thing - if you are not used to looking at yourself while doing yoga, find a spot in the back. My thoughts are distracting enough never mind having to gaze at my ass and yes, I know that’s not very yogic of me but like I said, I was having an off day.
And that’s just it - yoga classes can be subjective, even for ourselves. One day you may be able to balance perfectly while standing on a block in tree pose with your eyes closed and the next day Tadasana could prove difficult. You may love Anusara and your friend can hate it. Iyengar may bore you silly today or entrance you tomorrow.
We are all looking for different things and at different times. Steven Cheng’s class kicked my butt and I liked it. It was for me, on that day, purely physical. Difficult. A challenge. And I liked it.
I sat down with Steven to discuss his motivation for all that yoga:
G: Steven, while taking the class I realized that although it is deemed "intermediate" the asanas themselves as well as the students ran the gambit from beginner to advanced. How do you see the 3-hour format as a forum for so many levels?
S: Well, working at a gym environment (Steven teaches at NYHRC among others) often puts a yoga instructor in a position to deal with students of mixed levels. So in that sense, I've trained sufficiently to walk into a room and expect to have the full spectrum of students. It really takes a teacher with a proper range of knowledge to deal with beginners and advanced students simultaneously. You don't want to intimidate the beginner but at the same time, challenge the advanced student. My goal is always to find the balance between the two by offering a range of modifications and variations. I love seeing a beginner next to a master student. The world is a mixed bag, and that is a reflection of my world. It is because of this philosophy that I've cultivated a wide range of students that come to all my classes.
The "intermediate" label allows people some sense of what to expect. But ultimately, the practice is whatever the student makes of it. I offer the possibilities but the journey is theirs. The 3 hr. format is a great tool for me to go through the poses in more detail. In a 60 or 75 min. class, stopping to explain isn’t often an option because people want to move and work out. But now with 3 hours, I have the time to give the students the asana practice they want.
G: What do you think are the benefits of a monthly 3-hour class?
S: There is no physical benefit to doing something once a month. The only benefit is time and a monthly class is a realistic goal for people to commit to. I would love to do a weekly 3-Hour Yoga intensive. But I know for most people, this is not possible. People work hard during the week, and look forward to doing stuff on weekends. So to devote three hours every Saturday for a practice is asking a lot. My goal is to offer an attainable alternative that is fun and challenging that people look forward to each and every time.
G: This class is heavy on athleticism. How can a student best prepare or “train” for this?
S: Clearly the class is not structured for the yogi looking for a gentle yoga class. However, what is necessary is an open mind and some creativity. For the beginners, they have to have some sense of what their limitations are and being able to know when something is too much. For the advanced student, know that it is an open practice and variations on poses are fair game as long as it is not disruptive. The best training is to have a regular practice of any yoga style and come experience my perspective.
G: Your admiration of Dharma Mittra is apparent. How or in what ways did Dharma influence you?
Dharma Mittra influences me in big and small ways. All of my opening sequences are based on his Shiva Namaskara Level II practice. His sequencing promotes spinal flexibility and opening of the hips and heart. On a more subtle level, I hear Dharma's voice all the time in my head whether I am teaching or practicing. His intentions and his spirit are within me.
The biggest influence is probably his Mantra for Purification. Only Dharma Mittra yogis do this chant, at least that I know of. And there is something very captivating in the vibration this chant brings. My students are learning it, and to have a room filled with this vibration helps me feel like I am honoring Dharma Mittra's tradition in a significant way.
G: While I was aware of the choice in furthering a pose I kept thinking that some of the other students would be able to achieve advancement in the pose if they were given specific instruction as to i.e., rotating their inner thigh, grounding down on the big toe. I know that Dharma Mittra yoga does not specify intricacies such as Iyengar yoga does. You mentioned trying to achieve the perfection in ourselves, finding the yoga within us, and not necessarily the pose. Is it possible for you to tell me more about that? I guess I am speaking primarily about such things as crow pose and any of the more advanced arm balances where uddiyanda bandha and inner thigh rotation are imperative to get that lift.
S: It is true that Dharma Mittra does not give a lot of instructions on the alignment of the asanas - that is traditional classical yoga. The emphasis on alignment as we experience it in the West is a relatively recent phenomenon by way of Iyengar's and Desikachar's teachings. As much as it is important to have proper form to avoid creating injuries or perpetuating them, it is also imperative to live and feel the poses. The essence of the pose may be diminished if the technical aspect of the practice becomes overemphasized.
My instructions are given with awareness but in short precise cues, and as the students continue to grow with my practice, they learn different techniques to create their own form. Yoga is, after all, a practice.
G: What challenges do you face in not only teaching a three hour class but to so many different students of varying levels?
The duration of time is never a problem. I always feel I still want more time after 3 hours of practice. The biggest challenge is when the level of the students in any given class is concentrated heavily between only beginners and advanced students, and not enough people in the middle. I have taught small classes where it was literally 2 or 3 beginners with 2 or 3 advanced students. Clearly I have to care for the beginner students, but I am limited greatly on what poses I can offer and variations on them. In a situation like that, the advanced students take their own variations, which is what I encourage. But when the divide is that wide, it is hard to keep everyone happy.
The other challenge is diplomacy. Dealing with people means having to avoid reacting to inappropriate comments. Sometimes I get new students to my practice that seem to feel it is acceptable to tell me how to teach my classes. Some of my favorites are "the pace of your class last week was perfect for me. Why did you make it faster/slower this week? Can you go back to the pace last week?" Or "Did you just turn on the heat? Why is it so hot in here? Why does anyone want to exercise with heat?" – Well, because it is Heated Vinyasa. There is a difference between being inquisitive or making an appropriate request but with respect, and telling the teacher what to do. It is a constant negotiation with the ego.
G: What was your motivation for this class and what do you want your students to come away with?
S: The original goal was to offer a longer, more intense class for those yogis looking for more in their regular practice. It is not meant to be a workshop where themes or topics are dissected and broken down in detail. I want them to feel exhilarated but exhausted.
Hopefully, they cannot wait for the next month's practice. I want something we did to sneak up on them as they wait for the subway and put a smile on their faces - perhaps it was a breakthrough or something of inspiration. My goal is to have fun and be joyful and light-spirited, while doing something great for the body and mind. Once in a while, something magical happens and I take my students through a beautiful journey. Those experiences make me happy.
I also love when students of different yoga disciplines, Hatha or Ashtanga, come to my classes and tell me they've learned something new or a different way to approach their practice. There are so many yoga styles and points of view that it is a constant exploration. As much as we all are attached to our routines, it is good to expand the Self to try something new and different.
G: Thank you, Steven.
S: My pleasure. Will you be back?
I’ll be back, fellow yogis. Steven Cheng's next 3 Hour Yoga Class will be Saturday, December 5th at BodiBalance, 20 E. 17th Street from 1:30 – 4:30.
-Gina de la Chesnaye
Steven Cheng kicked my butt.
I went in with a cold and a nagging back spasm. After sweating hard for three hours, the cold went away but the spasm got worse. That was my fault. I’m not the kind of person to shy away from a variation. I’ll try it and I might land on my ass (softly) but I’ll try it. I think the Vasisthasanas may have had something to do with it. Or possibly the standing poses and arm balances – Eagle to Side Crow to Side Angle, Crow to Headstand to Chaturanga, Forearm to Scorpion, One Legged Crow to Full Locust (!), Handstand to Chaturanga (here I made an audible thud, sorry fellow yogis) and Peacock.
Seated poses included Gomukhasana, Janu Sirsasana, Parivrttra Janu Sirsasana, Infinity Pose and Pasasana. There was Pigeon to King Pigeon, Cobra to Full Cobra…
Lots and lots of yoga. If you want a work-out - a once-a-month-sweat so much that your clothes are drenched and you slip off your upper arms doing crow even though you are wearing pants work out - then this is it. Steven doesn’t spend a lot of time encouraging you to open your heart center or use any kind of bandha. He introduces the pose, adds some variations, and lets you have it.
He does open the class by encouraging the students to have fun and be careful. To find the yoga in ourselves. The class is held at BodiBalance, a dance, martial arts, open for hire kind of space that is large but with 25 students in attendance could have been larger. Be aware that there are no mats, blocks, blankets, towels or showers. I really wanted a shower after that class…And, for anyone practicing inversions, you must be able to do them in the center of the room as the walls are mirrored. That’s another thing - if you are not used to looking at yourself while doing yoga, find a spot in the back. My thoughts are distracting enough never mind having to gaze at my ass and yes, I know that’s not very yogic of me but like I said, I was having an off day.
And that’s just it - yoga classes can be subjective, even for ourselves. One day you may be able to balance perfectly while standing on a block in tree pose with your eyes closed and the next day Tadasana could prove difficult. You may love Anusara and your friend can hate it. Iyengar may bore you silly today or entrance you tomorrow.
We are all looking for different things and at different times. Steven Cheng’s class kicked my butt and I liked it. It was for me, on that day, purely physical. Difficult. A challenge. And I liked it.
I sat down with Steven to discuss his motivation for all that yoga:
G: Steven, while taking the class I realized that although it is deemed "intermediate" the asanas themselves as well as the students ran the gambit from beginner to advanced. How do you see the 3-hour format as a forum for so many levels?
S: Well, working at a gym environment (Steven teaches at NYHRC among others) often puts a yoga instructor in a position to deal with students of mixed levels. So in that sense, I've trained sufficiently to walk into a room and expect to have the full spectrum of students. It really takes a teacher with a proper range of knowledge to deal with beginners and advanced students simultaneously. You don't want to intimidate the beginner but at the same time, challenge the advanced student. My goal is always to find the balance between the two by offering a range of modifications and variations. I love seeing a beginner next to a master student. The world is a mixed bag, and that is a reflection of my world. It is because of this philosophy that I've cultivated a wide range of students that come to all my classes.
The "intermediate" label allows people some sense of what to expect. But ultimately, the practice is whatever the student makes of it. I offer the possibilities but the journey is theirs. The 3 hr. format is a great tool for me to go through the poses in more detail. In a 60 or 75 min. class, stopping to explain isn’t often an option because people want to move and work out. But now with 3 hours, I have the time to give the students the asana practice they want.
G: What do you think are the benefits of a monthly 3-hour class?
S: There is no physical benefit to doing something once a month. The only benefit is time and a monthly class is a realistic goal for people to commit to. I would love to do a weekly 3-Hour Yoga intensive. But I know for most people, this is not possible. People work hard during the week, and look forward to doing stuff on weekends. So to devote three hours every Saturday for a practice is asking a lot. My goal is to offer an attainable alternative that is fun and challenging that people look forward to each and every time.
G: This class is heavy on athleticism. How can a student best prepare or “train” for this?
S: Clearly the class is not structured for the yogi looking for a gentle yoga class. However, what is necessary is an open mind and some creativity. For the beginners, they have to have some sense of what their limitations are and being able to know when something is too much. For the advanced student, know that it is an open practice and variations on poses are fair game as long as it is not disruptive. The best training is to have a regular practice of any yoga style and come experience my perspective.
G: Your admiration of Dharma Mittra is apparent. How or in what ways did Dharma influence you?
Dharma Mittra influences me in big and small ways. All of my opening sequences are based on his Shiva Namaskara Level II practice. His sequencing promotes spinal flexibility and opening of the hips and heart. On a more subtle level, I hear Dharma's voice all the time in my head whether I am teaching or practicing. His intentions and his spirit are within me.
The biggest influence is probably his Mantra for Purification. Only Dharma Mittra yogis do this chant, at least that I know of. And there is something very captivating in the vibration this chant brings. My students are learning it, and to have a room filled with this vibration helps me feel like I am honoring Dharma Mittra's tradition in a significant way.
G: While I was aware of the choice in furthering a pose I kept thinking that some of the other students would be able to achieve advancement in the pose if they were given specific instruction as to i.e., rotating their inner thigh, grounding down on the big toe. I know that Dharma Mittra yoga does not specify intricacies such as Iyengar yoga does. You mentioned trying to achieve the perfection in ourselves, finding the yoga within us, and not necessarily the pose. Is it possible for you to tell me more about that? I guess I am speaking primarily about such things as crow pose and any of the more advanced arm balances where uddiyanda bandha and inner thigh rotation are imperative to get that lift.
S: It is true that Dharma Mittra does not give a lot of instructions on the alignment of the asanas - that is traditional classical yoga. The emphasis on alignment as we experience it in the West is a relatively recent phenomenon by way of Iyengar's and Desikachar's teachings. As much as it is important to have proper form to avoid creating injuries or perpetuating them, it is also imperative to live and feel the poses. The essence of the pose may be diminished if the technical aspect of the practice becomes overemphasized.
My instructions are given with awareness but in short precise cues, and as the students continue to grow with my practice, they learn different techniques to create their own form. Yoga is, after all, a practice.
G: What challenges do you face in not only teaching a three hour class but to so many different students of varying levels?
The duration of time is never a problem. I always feel I still want more time after 3 hours of practice. The biggest challenge is when the level of the students in any given class is concentrated heavily between only beginners and advanced students, and not enough people in the middle. I have taught small classes where it was literally 2 or 3 beginners with 2 or 3 advanced students. Clearly I have to care for the beginner students, but I am limited greatly on what poses I can offer and variations on them. In a situation like that, the advanced students take their own variations, which is what I encourage. But when the divide is that wide, it is hard to keep everyone happy.
The other challenge is diplomacy. Dealing with people means having to avoid reacting to inappropriate comments. Sometimes I get new students to my practice that seem to feel it is acceptable to tell me how to teach my classes. Some of my favorites are "the pace of your class last week was perfect for me. Why did you make it faster/slower this week? Can you go back to the pace last week?" Or "Did you just turn on the heat? Why is it so hot in here? Why does anyone want to exercise with heat?" – Well, because it is Heated Vinyasa. There is a difference between being inquisitive or making an appropriate request but with respect, and telling the teacher what to do. It is a constant negotiation with the ego.
G: What was your motivation for this class and what do you want your students to come away with?
S: The original goal was to offer a longer, more intense class for those yogis looking for more in their regular practice. It is not meant to be a workshop where themes or topics are dissected and broken down in detail. I want them to feel exhilarated but exhausted.
Hopefully, they cannot wait for the next month's practice. I want something we did to sneak up on them as they wait for the subway and put a smile on their faces - perhaps it was a breakthrough or something of inspiration. My goal is to have fun and be joyful and light-spirited, while doing something great for the body and mind. Once in a while, something magical happens and I take my students through a beautiful journey. Those experiences make me happy.
I also love when students of different yoga disciplines, Hatha or Ashtanga, come to my classes and tell me they've learned something new or a different way to approach their practice. There are so many yoga styles and points of view that it is a constant exploration. As much as we all are attached to our routines, it is good to expand the Self to try something new and different.
G: Thank you, Steven.
S: My pleasure. Will you be back?
I’ll be back, fellow yogis. Steven Cheng's next 3 Hour Yoga Class will be Saturday, December 5th at BodiBalance, 20 E. 17th Street from 1:30 – 4:30.
-Gina de la Chesnaye