ORGINALLY POSTED @ Indy Yogi
Mall Yoga: Kundalini and Gong at Lululemon
Mall Yoga for Mall Yogis
At the local mall, fitness stores offer “complementary,” i.e. free, yoga classes. They feature local studios, popular teachers, and “brand ambassadors,” i.e. personalities chosen to create a buzz. It’s not a trade secret that retail establishments hope participants will be sufficiently inspired after yoga practice to shop. Conversely, participants hope the store will gift them free stuff, or at least snacks. Some do buy, and some resolutely do not. Anyone who rues the commodification of yoga is probably not there.
“Mall yogis,” to coin a term, mostly realize a free class is an advertisement for the brand. What they may not realize is that the class instructors are probably not getting paid. Occasionally, the instructors are offered clothing or a gift card. Frequently, they leave without any swag as these classes are pitched to the studios/instructors as a sweet marketing hook up, a way to introduce themselves.
Mall yogis show up weekly to these in-store classes. Some almost never practice anywhere else, and that’s okay. These classes offer exposure to many instructors. Whether someone practices only in a mall or also in gyms and studios, nowhere is it as easy to sample so many instructors as at these in-store mall classes. Don’t forget that many yogis struggle with time, location, and money restraints.
No matter the mall or the store, there is usually a generic mall yoga template; an all-levels vinyasa class, heavy on cat/cow warm ups, sun salutes, and a crow or pigeon accompanied by a popular play list, and not too much savasana. Instructors may vary the template, but generally not by very much. Occasionally, there is pranayama or a meditation, less often a dharma talk, but not too complex. Yet, the class is enjoyable. It’s not likely the most serious or challenging class, but it lends itself to fun, ease, and camaraderie. It’s a good class to meet up with friends. The casual vibe and low pressure environment make the experience non-intimidating.
Now for Something Completely Different
One Saturday last month, Diane Hancock, who teaches kundalini yoga every Sunday at Cityoga, garbed all in white, accompanied by her enormous gong, stepped to the front of the Indianapolis Lululemon store. The regulars expected a familiar version of the mall yoga class where a perky instructor, sporting malas or the latest store gear, cues them into down dog.
In a setting where people expect a physical workout, these mall yogis didn’t know they would spend most of the class in easy pose learning kundalini yoga. Maybe they hoped for energetic chatarungas to tone their abs and arms. Instead, they felt their abs and arms while vigorously breathing and chanting.
Diane capably and confidently introduced the class to kundalini yoga, a style not often encountered at the mall. In a clear, concise voice, she explained the meaning of Sanskrit chants, dristis, mudras, pranayama and the intent of the practices. Early on, the energy was restless. People looked around uncertainly. The first movements and chants were hesitant. Diane never wavered in her confidence. As the class evolved, the energy changed. The mall yogis opened up to discovering breath and awareness in new ways. A few still seemed a bit unnerved, but most enjoyed the experience.
By the time Diane rolled out the gong, the mall yogis were ready to relax into the vibrations. The store acoustics were actually quite conducive to the sound. As the frequencies vibrated off the running jackets and spinning tanks, they were able to surrender to the deep waves of sound, and maybe find some peace before dashing off. The Lululemon educators appreciated the moment of calm before they turned on the lights and opened the doors.
Afterward, one mall yogi whispered disappointedly there was no “real yoga”in the class. Another announced happily she had never been to a yoga class that emphasized anything other than physical movement. Many approached to ask questions about kundalini yoga or share observations. Diane never doubted these mall yogis would appreciate exposure to any aspect of yoga, including kundalini.
Retail stores don’t discourage mall yogis from purchasing pricey yoga pants, it’s what they do. However, these in-store yoga classes can be experienced as more than marketing and shopping opportunities. For the instructor, the class template doesn’t have to be so generic. For the student, the class doesn’t have to be so predictable. A little kundalini gong with the vinyasa is a good thing, even at the mall.
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Photo By: Courtesy of Diane Hancock
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