Beginning Students
Most people are introduced to the practice of yoga through group classes that are held at a local yoga studio or fitness center. These larger group classes can be a strong source of knowledge and inspiration for students to develop their practice, but they are sometimes not the best place for a person to begin their journey into the discipline of yoga. In fact, the self-judgment that many people would impose upon themselves in this group environment may be enough to keep them from making the decision to even begin.
A student may also feel that they may be subjecting themselves to injury if they are made to "keep up" with the pace of a group class. Or possibly a student may have a specific physical limitation that would require individual instruction. All of these are ideal reasons to look for a private lesson, or a series of lessons, to help to take the first few steps down the path of yoga.
Intermediate Students
It is not uncommon for students to reach a plateau in the energy of their practice after a few years of practicing. This is especially impacting when coming off of the initial surge of energy we all feel when beginning our yoga practice. When we first begin, we are particularly tuned into our bodies in such a new and exciting way; yet we haven't fully developed the skills to harness the power of our attention. So as our practice develops with repetition, our minds may begin to drift if we are not careful. Getting specific personal attention from a private lesson, or a series of lessons, can be a crucial part of recommitting to that spark of your practice.
Advanced Students
The labels "beginner", "intermediate", and "advanced" are all relative terms, with the one finding its definition in relation to the other, and often these terms are used strictly to describe the progression of the physical practice. The advanced student is one who has firmly established their body, mind and lifestyle choices on the yogic path, and said path having been tested over the course of time. Truly the more advanced the student becomes, the more their teaching comes from the wisdom of the energetic body in an asana practice or the wisdom of silence in meditation. But even further down the path, guidance is often very helpful as we continue to refine our skills both on and off the mat.
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