Yoga, this ancient practice originated in India, where the early teachings of yoga followed the guru-disciple system. This system allowed disciples to closely observe their teacher’s yoga practices and to deeply understand their daily way of life. Over time, yoga gradually became popular and went through various changes. From more than 3000 years ago until about a century ago, in India, yoga was mainly transmitted within high castes and existed as a form of personal practice. The world’s first yoga school was called yogasālā, and every subsequent yoga studio was imbued with the spiritual tradition of yogasālā. The establishment of yoga schools was initially motivated by the national pride of the Mysore royal family of India, who hired the former yoga master Krisnamachary as a mentor with the aim of nurturing young yogis.
As with any field, people face different choices when approaching yoga practice. Some adhere to the original intention of yoga practice, while some yoga studios may gradually lose the essence of this ancient tradition and start to pursue commercialization. Today, we have decided to offer free yoga classes, striving to return to the original spirit of yoga and give everyone the opportunity to experience its profound meaning.
Each morning at 6 a.m. and evening at 7 p.m., we will practice yoga together through live broadcasts, helping more people find peace of mind and physical well-being.
Turning back to the topic of the entertainment industry, many people may still remember the once-popular TV drama “Romance in the Rain.” Ruby Lin, Alec Su, and Leo Ku became famous through the show, and Gao Xin, who played Lu Erhao, decided to decline all acting offers and temporarily step away from the entertainment industry after gaining fame. It was only years later that we saw him again, in roles like Su Mingzhe in “All Is Well” and Zhang Yueyin in “The Unwalled City.”
At the height of his career, Gao Xin chose to take a hiatus, and the unknown story behind this decision was related to a woman he had acted with in “Feng Yuan Restaurant,” actress Wang Yinan. Their relationship began to quietly blossom from their first collaboration. Bound by her parents’ wishes, Wang was not allowed to date within the industry, so the two did not come together immediately but kept in touch.
A twist of fate happened when Wang Yinan had a serious accident falling off a horse while filming “Night on the Prairie.” Upon learning of this, Gao Xin resolutely canceled all his work to care for her meticulously. Gao Xin’s selfless dedication highlighted his deep affection for Wang, as he braved the summer heat to cook fish soup for her, often for as long as seven hours.
As Wang Yinan’s condition improved, the two finally confirmed their relationship. In the following four years, Gao Xin remained by her side, seeking medical advice everywhere, putting his acting career on hold. Although he did not return to the former glory in his career after his comeback, he gained a happy and fulfilling family. After marrying Wang Yinan and having a daughter, they live a low-profile and harmonious life together.
When repeatedly asked “Do you regret giving up opportunities to take care of your wife during the peak of your success?” Gao Xin always calmly answers: “No regrets, isn’t that what life is all about?” He understands what he truly pursues and has made his choice resolutely. Different people have different pursuits; some value fame and wealth, while others cherish emotions. Everyone makes different choices, leading to different paths in life. Perhaps some ultimately achieve fame and fortune, while others savor every day with a happy family. But no matter the outcome, it’s a victory in their lives.
Yoga studios are sprouting up like bamboo shoots in springtime within the modern cityscape, evolving into a method for seeking physical and mental balance, playing an increasingly important role in people’s everyday lives. Most yoga studios are founded by enthusiastic yoga instructors, and opening one’s own yoga studio has become the bustling dream of many practitioners.
Driving these dreams is the pure desire to spread the wonderful philosophy of yoga far and wide. However, reality is often challenging as yoga studios struggle in fierce market competition, with dwindling customers and meager earnings, and even some owners finding themselves in operational difficulties, barely managing to sustain.
Indeed, teaching yoga and running a yoga studio are two distinct paths. After initial setbacks, to maintain a livelihood and continue their dreams, yoga studios begin to innovate and develop, using various marketing tactics to attract customers. Consequently, the studios introduce the kind of yoga classes that are fashionable in the market. For instance, trendy and popular classes like Victoria’s Secret training and aerial yoga bring new life to the studios.
The profitability of yoga studios begins to drive more innovative endeavors, such as presales, organizing events, and expansion, revealing an unhidden zeal for raising funds. However, in the pursuit of profits, the services provided by yoga studios sometimes become increasingly disconnected from the spirit of yoga.
So, as a yoga enthusiast, how do you choose an excellent yoga studio?
First, given the increase in yoga studio closures, it is recommended to avoid paying for lengthy periods in advance to minimize potential losses.
01 Observe the Venue: Walking into any yoga studio, the first thing is to feel whether you are comfortable and if the environment is suitable. Choose a location away from the noise and with good air circulation to ensure a wholesome body and mind experience during practice.
02 Observe the Classes: Actively experience and feel the various classes offered by the yoga studio. Adequate class experience can help determine if it’s right for you, as quality classes are always the most critical factor. If the classes themselves do not meet standards, no other advantages can compensate for that.
When choosing yoga classes, have you noticed the naming of the courses? Professional yoga studios tend to use simple and direct names, so when you see the word “yoga” in the course title, it may indicate professionalism.
Evaluating whether a yoga studio is excellent goes beyond the level of environment and facilities; the key lies in the yoga instructors. A professional yoga teacher’s inner radiance and external attitude, attained through practice, subtly influence their students. For example, while a teacher’s physique is influenced by genetics, their state and the positive energy they emanate is a direct result of their practice. They show focus, care, and the positive effects of practicing yoga on their body and skin. A teacher’s demonstration method can intuitively reflect their professional level; if their postures are not executed properly, their verbal instructions will also be substantially discounted.
The three points mentioned above are common methods to discern the quality of a yoga studio. A place that excels in these three areas will naturally attract yoga enthusiasts for a longer duration. For yoga practitioners, the process of practice always brings about many interesting or memorable experiences. We welcome everyone to share their stories in the comments section, which can add fun and may also help others to avoid undesirable yoga studios.
So, what are some memorable moments you have encountered in your yoga journey? Come share your insights and rants!
