Lost In Translation

Padagusthasana Pashimottonasana… That’s a fancy way of saying Forward Big Toe Bend. It sounds more exotic the first way, even if it doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, and I’m always super impressed when my teachers casually weave Sanskrit words into their classes. (I do like to think they spend a lot time practicing in front of the mirror at home first though. Surely.)

What’s interesting is, beautiful Sanskrit or not, I’ve noticed that what my teachers say and what I actually hear can sometimes be quite different. HUGELY, MASSIVELY, ENORMOUSLY different; not to put too fine a point on it.

In the spirit of community I’ve put together a small list that may help other yogis know they’re not alone in their own selective hearing. You’re very welcome.

 

They say: Good morning!
I hear: Hands rubbing together in glee.

They say: Set your intention.
I hear: Um… *crickets*

They say: Tadasana.
I hear: Ta Da! With jazz hands!

They say: Now you may like to stay here, or if you’d like to move on…
I hear: Really? You’re staying here?

They say: Hip openers.
I hear: You’re not going to be able to walk tomorrow. Enjoy!

They say: You can take your flow or simply meet us in downward dog.
I hear: Flow. Now.

They say to someone else with a different name at the other end of the studio: Straighten your left leg more.
I hear: Jane! Straighten your left leg! Come on!

They say: When you’re ready.
I hear: Hurry up.

They say: Lower your legs 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees…
I hear: About here should do it, a little more, a bit more than that…

They say: And hold for 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
I hear: Hahahaha!

They say: Just one more time.
I hear: Suffer. Suffer good.

They say to someone else at the other end of the studio: That’s beautiful…
I hear: Your pose will never be as inspiring, elegant or strong as that someone else at the other end of the studio. You should probably go home.

They say: Find your drishti point.
I hear: Fall over.

They say: Breathe in.
I hear: Breathe out.

They say: Core work.
I hear: Just when I’m looking at you.

They say: Savasana.
I hear: I love you…

 

The Yoga Connection says: The Yoga Connection is in no way making light of the instruction of the wonderful teachers out there. It’s just that sometimes The Yoga Connection can’t hear you very well.
You may hear: The Yoga Connection is covering itself big time.

The Yoga Connection invites you to share what you like to think you’re hearing in class. The Yoga Connection can’t stop talking in the third person…

– Jane

©The Yoga Connection