Raff's Brain #22: Hot Yoga Problems - Deer Pose!

Some rambling thoughts on my drive back from the hot yoga studio. Today's problem: deer pose!

Hot Yoga Problems is a part of Raff's Brain, a show about things that are interesting to me, Rob Raffety. See: www.RaffsBrain.com

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SUMMARY

In this episode, Rob recounts his latest struggles in a hot yoga class, specifically focusing on the absurdity of certain poses and the dynamics of space in the yoga studio. He highlights his confusion and discomfort with the "deer pose," a position he finds physically challenging and completely unrelated to the graceful image of a deer. Rob compares this with more logical poses like the triangle or airplane, which have a clear visual correspondence. The episode touches on Rob's personal reflections on yoga traditions, the idea of creating his own lineup of yoga poses inspired by animals, and his habitual forgetfulness in ending his workout.

A secondary problem he explores is the social aspect of yoga classes, particularly his "hogging" of a prime spot in the studio’s back corner, which causes some unspoken tension with a fellow yogi. Despite the rough start, Rob ends the episode on a lighthearted note, vowing never to attempt the deer pose again.

OUTLINE

Introduction:
- Rob sets the tone with humor about surviving another hot yoga class.
- Discusses the bar for success in yoga: not dying during class.

Main Issue: The Deer Pose:
- Rob expresses bewilderment at the deer pose, questioning its connection to actual deer.
- Compares it with poses that make sense visually (e.g., triangle, airplane, tree).
- Describes the pose as uncomfortable and offensive, likening it to a swastika on the ground.
- Playfully declares that the pose has ruined his previously positive relationship with deer.

Reflection on Yoga Poses:
- Muses on how yoga poses are created, questioning if anyone can make one up
- Introduces the idea of inventing his own animal-inspired poses (e.g., squirrel nut pose).
- Ponders starting a new form of yoga (Raff yoga).

The Forgotten Workout:
- Brief tangent on his recurring habit of forgetting to end his workout session, accidentally burning more calories.

Social Dynamics in the Studio:
- Rob talks about his love for lightly attended classes and staking out a prime "nook" in the studio.
- Reflects on his unintentional offense towards a fellow yogi by taking a coveted spot.
- Describes his internal conflict of becoming the "bad guy" by accident.

Conclusion:
- Playful rant about the deer pose, vowing to avoid it in future classes.
- Ends with a humorous goodbye to deer and a lighthearted outro.