My yoga classes usually stick to "a script”, and I follow some guidelines: We center, we breathe, we warm up, we flow, we release, and we relax. And I try to have non-obtrusive music to set the yoga mood.

That’s Me, as a Yoga Teacher.

My free time, at least when I find myself around live music, follows a different “script.” I take my position as an audience member (usually getting onstage is frowned upon, although it’s happened–when I was invited [RIP Jani Lane]), I watch, I listen, I experience–and I move and dance (I’m convinced I’m partially responsible for any concrete wear in front of the Iron Horse Pub stage)!

That’s Me, as a Music Lover.

Yoga means union. Even if I’m not actively acting as a part of myself, that part is still there. I try to guide those in my classes to bring their yoga off of the mat. What may first come to mind is slowing down your breath to calm yourself down in a stressful situation. That’s great! But what yoga skills are present when I’m pumping my fist at a rock show?

For me, it’s being present. I feel the bass reverberating throughout my body. I see the concentration on the faces of the musicians to hit the right notes. When something especially surprising or amazing happens, I tap into my sense of gratitude, thankful for the experience.

So, while my Rock Yoga event is a bit of campy fun, the standard yoga elements are still there. Because that’s Me, the Yoga Teacher.

And, as I continue my process of being comfortable with Being Seen– just as I am – I am sharing Me, the 80s hard rock music lover, from my mat.

My intention is to create a space for yoga lovers to experience something a bit out of the ordinary and for 80s rock fans to try out a yoga class, even if they never have before.

We’ll see how it goes. I’ll be present and grateful for the experience!