How and What to Observe in a Yoga Class

A yoga class is an excellent opportunity to observe and study yourself.
Many things may arise. Here are some of them.

You may not like the way the teacher leads the class—maybe it is too dynamic, and you want it slower, or maybe you are bored, your body feels cold, and you want it to be more dynamic.

Maybe the teacher talks too much, giving long and repetitive explanations; or maybe he or she does not give sufficiently clear instructions, and you feel confused, not knowing what to do.

Maybe she does not pay attention to you and focuses more on other students, which makes you feel jealous or angry.

Maybe you do not like her voice: she speaks too loudly or not loudly enough.
Maybe you do not like her appearance or her mannerisms.

Maybe you feel that the asana being taught is not suitable for you, but the teacher insists that you do it; or maybe you wish to try more challenging asanas, but the teacher spends too much time on the basics.

Maybe she asks you to do difficult asanas without sufficient preparation; or maybe she spends too much time on preparation and never gets to the asana itself.

Maybe the pace is too slow for you—or too fast.

Maybe the studio is too crowded, and you do not have enough space. Maybe you do not like the students next to you—their appearance or their smell. Maybe they are too noisy.

Maybe it is too cold or too hot.

Maybe the props are not good: worn out or not clean enough.

Maybe you are disappointed and frustrated because, despite all your years of practice, you still cannot do the asanas as well as some other students; or maybe you think, “I am so good! I do the asana effortlessly while others are struggling.”

Maybe you came to class with an emotional issue that surfaces during practice, and you cannot concentrate.

Maybe a student in the class is very attractive, and you want to get closer to them, but they ignore you.

…

So much noise in the mind — while yoga is supposed to calm it.

What a good opportunity to observe your likes and dislikes, your attractions and aversions.

Can you look at these likes and dislikes without identifying with them?
Can you look at them with a smile, and without a judgmental attitude?