"All the World's a Yoga Studio"

In my English class we are reading, As You Like It, by Shakespeare. I hate plays and Shakespeare, but what can you do. We recently had an assignment to do a rendition of Jacques famous "All the World's a Stage" speech, but in a more modern-day and optimistic style. So of course the first thing that popped into my head to write about was yoga. (It seems to be my go-to topic for everything now 🙂 but I have so much to say about it and it fits so many aspects of life). I actually really like how this came out (so did my teacher...I got an A, haha!). If you aren't familiar with the actual speech here is the original. It is Jacques melancholy view on the life of man and how he can never achieve individual happiness greater than the misery that all man shares. So I thought I would share my version with you all. Enjoy!

"All the World's a Yoga Studio"

By: Rebecca Pytell

All the word's a yoga studio,

And all the men and women are yogis.

They lay out their mats, unfolding their journeys ahead.

Beginning with Sun Salutation and ending in Shavasana.

 

First they are a curious new comer,                                                  5

Taking their first tentative steps onto their mats

And into their spiritual journey.

 

Second, the nervous and clumsy beginner.

Discovering how their body moves,

Looking like a stumbling fawn.                                                        10

 

Next comes the style-seeker.

Testing Vinyasa, Hatha, Bikram, and more.

Establishing an identity and base.

 

Then they become the eager Asana striver.

Willing to try and take on any Asana,                                             15

Strengthening the body through Chaturanga and Warrior.

Gaining confidence and grace like a dancer on stage.

 

Then comes the breather and connector.

Learning to align the breathe, mind, and body as one.

Understanding the powerful connection within the body,               20

Stronger and more serene while aligning the Chakras.

 

Next, the religious practicer arises.

Stepping onto the mat becomes an everyday ritual.

Feeling like a bird in flight, alive, well, and weightless.

 

Last, the lifestyle yoga guru takes form.                                           25

Yoga is a complete lifestyle to this yogi.

The mind-body connection is ever-present in all aspects of life.

The mat becomes home, the final resting place, Savasana.

(of course I can never post something about yoga without adding in one of my Asana pictures! I need to take some more new ones since it has been a few months and I have new things to show you. But now there is snow outside and wearing a sports bra and shorts won't cut it. My house is not very yoga-photo-shoot friendly, but maybe I can figure something out!)

So tell me:

Do you like reading plays? I find them so hard to read since it is all dialogue so you really have to pay attention. But I don't hate them all. I love A Raisin in the Sun, that is my favorite.

What is the best book/play/story you ever read while in school? The worst? I love Great Expectations and A Raisin in the Sun. The worst was Antigone...hands down, I have nothing to say about it...it was horrid.