After I wrote a few books I got the idea that I was pretty good at translating ideas into paragraphs. But when I try to explain RhythmAsana to the uninitiated, I’m humbled by my inability to communicate with words. Oh, it’s easy to give a thumbnail description: RhythmAsana is unique blend of yoga, guided dance, and world music. But that does nothing to explain how powerful, joyous, and transformative the RhythmAsana experience can be.
In some cases, my lack of clear communication may be a good thing. Case in point: A few months ago I told one of my yoga friends about RhythmAsana and she showed up for that weekend’s RhythmAsana class. Apparently I’d done a really bad job of describing RhythmAsana. When the music was over and we were packing up, she told me three things:
1. She really didn’t know what she was getting into.
2. If she had known, she wouldn’t have come because she doesn’t do “dance things.”
3. She loved it and she’d be back.
She was good for her word. In fact, she’ll be joining us for our Breitenbush retreat next weekend.
Her experience was dramatic, but not unique. I’ve had many people tell me variations of the same story: I didn’t know what to expect, and I was a little intimidated by the possibility that I’d be out of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad I overcame my resistance because I had a fabulous time.
Dancers tell me that they don’t do yoga. Yogis tell me they don’t dance. Runners, walkers, bikers, gardeners, and couch potatoes tell me they don’t do either. For many of those people, my blizzard of words does little to convince them of the virtues of RhythmAsana. But if they’re willing and able to get past their “I can’t dance” and “I can’t do yoga” scripts, they’re often amazed at how much fun they can pack into 90 minutes. And how good they feel as they go back into their lives. And how much they look forward to the next time they can share the RhythmAsana experience with others.
If you’re living with one of these scripts, take some encouragement from these RhythmAsana converts. Let go of your story and experience the deep joy of RhythmAsana! And bring your friends!