The Flow State - Beyond Tradition
- Erin Clair
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Dear Community,
I primarily teach what some might call "nontraditional" yoga. But here's the thing: all modern yoga, especially in the United States, is nontraditional. Even the styles considered more classical, like power yoga, were only developed in the 1920s. So instead of asking how traditional a class is, I think the better question is: does it incorporate as many of the eight limbs of yoga as possible? That's where the real value lies.
My approach to music-based yoga comes from extensive study into the most effective way to guide a class toward what psychologists call "the flow state." Getting our modern, overactive brains to stop competing, stop criticizing, and simply exist in the present moment with contentment is genuinely hard. But that is ultimately the whole point of yoga: learning to live happily right now, in this moment, whatever it holds.
In a music-based class, you move continuously with few or no breaks. As you flow from pose to pose (the Asana limb), your mind becomes too engaged to wander (the Dharana limb). Your breath is tied to the music, so your inhales and exhales stay measured and steady throughout (the Pranayama limb). The dharma talk weaves in yogic philosophies for living well (the Yamas and Niyamas limbs) while inviting you to reflect on your own life (the Dhyana limb). And at the end, Savasana gives you space to release, turn inward, and just be (the Pratyahara limb). Every element is intentional. Nothing is arbitrary.
Here's where it gets interesting, though. The class is fun. And for some people, "fun" seems to signal that something isn't serious enough, that it doesn't qualify as real yoga. Those myths about what yoga should look, feel, and sound like run deep. But the purpose of yoga rarely gets the same airtime as the aesthetics of yoga. You can work hard and feel joy at the same time. In fact, that combination is kind of the whole point.
So I'd love to hear from you: what does a yoga class need to have for you to walk out feeling like it was genuinely good?
New Podcast Episodes
39. Mackenzie McGehee: The Magic Is Already in You
Mackenzie McGehee is the founder of Dear Humanity, I Love You (dearhumanityily.com), a mission-driven apparel brand built around the idea that small, visible reminders of love and connection can ripple outward in meaningful ways. Both her work as a personal coach and her brand share the same core philosophy: that people often need a gentle nudge back to what they already know about themselves.
Upcoming Classes
Tuesday, May 18 @7:30pm EDT: New Inside Flow Online Video Release (watch here)
Saturday, May 23 @4:00pm EDT: Bruno Mars Inside Flow Power Yoga at The Inferno (Fitchburg, MA)
Sunday, May 24 @10:30am EDT: Bruno Mars Inside Flow Power Yoga at Waverley Oaks Athletic Club (Waltham, MA)
With gratitude,
Comments