Lost in Translation: A Yoga Adventure in Europe
Exploring the World and Myself Why I Adore Taking Yoga Classes in a Foreign Language While Traveling Solo
Why I love doing yoga in a foreign language while traveling alone.
Courtesy of Sonya Matejko
When I packed my yoga pants and headed to Europe in 2021, little did I know that I would be embarking on a hilarious journey through the realm of foreign yoga classes. From Paris to Vienna, Milan to Malta, I found myself contorting my body while trying to decipher words spoken in languages I could barely pronounce. It was like attempting a headstand on a unicycle – thrilling, challenging, and utterly entertaining.
As an English-speaking yoga teacher, I thrive on the beauty of different cultures and their unique expressions. Picture yourself in a dark, candlelit yoga class in Paris, surrounded by the soft glow of twinkle lights. The teacher’s voice fills the room as she whispers, “sens ton coeur,” or “feel your heart.” Now, I may not speak French fluently (my college language classes sadly failed me), but there’s something undeniably magical about the way the French language weaves elegance into every syllable. It’s like the sparkling lights of a holiday season brought to life in linguistic form.
Courtesy of Sonya Matejko
From French and Italian to Portuguese and Flemish, I’ve stretched my yoga mat in studios across Europe, embracing the opportunity to immerse myself in global yoga communities. And let me tell you, the French experience stole my heart like a pickpocket in the streets of Montmartre. When I travel, I make it a priority to seek out native studios rather than the comfort of English-speaking ones. It pushes me out of my cozy comfort zone like a pair of yoga pants two sizes too small.
As a yoga teacher, these multilingual escapades have opened my eyes to the power of nonverbal communication. When I can’t understand a word the teacher is saying, I become a hand-watching enthusiast. Just like a lost tourist navigating through a foreign city, I let my eyes guide me. People of all languages express themselves through hand gestures, and yoga teachers are no exception. With simple flicks and twirls of their hands, they convey wisdom that transcends language barriers. It’s like they possess a secret sign language exclusively designed for enlightened yogis.
But it’s not just the hands that hold power. Oh no, my friend. Voice intonation, emphasis, and volume become the unwritten script of a yoga class. It’s like listening to a symphony of relaxation and empowerment, where every note tells you exactly how to move and breathe. Even without comprehending the words, you find yourself instinctively flowing through poses like a serene, graceful swan.
Courtesy of Sonya Matejko
As a dedicated student, I’ve discovered a new level of bodily awareness. Instead of frantically translating every instruction, I listen to the whispers of my own flesh and bones. It’s like tapping into a secret language that only I can understand. By doing so, I connect with the true essence of each pose and unlock a deeper level of self-awareness. It’s liberating, like dancing to your own beat while everyone else is still fumbling for sheet music.
This newfound self-awareness also helps me determine my limits. Without the linguistic distractions, I can discern when to be gentler with myself, when to embrace the tightness in my body, and when to channel my inner lioness and roar through a challenging pose. It’s a game of knowing yourself and playing by your own rules, like a rebellious yogi breaking free from the confines of a cookie-cutter practice.
Courtesy of Sonya Matejko
But beyond personal growth, practicing yoga in a foreign tongue is an experience that unites us all. It’s a universal language of movement, breath, and sweaty yoga mats. When a teacher sprinkles Sanskrit words into their instructions, my yogi heart skips a beat. Sanskrit, the mother tongue of yoga, connects us to the ancient roots of this practice. Whether you’re twisting into Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog) in Spain or Belgium, hearing those sacred words evokes a sense of shared history and culture.
Attending yoga classes in different languages is like unraveling a hidden treasure chest of diversity. It levels the playing field, turning even seasoned practitioners into beginners once again. It challenges us to approach the practice with fresh eyes and embrace a unique set of awareness tools. And let’s not forget the joy of immersing ourselves in local communities, savoring new languages, and witnessing the subtle nuances of students from around the world. It’s like being a yoga globetrotter, collecting precious moments and friendships in every sun salutation.
Courtesy of Sonya Matejko
So, fellow yoga enthusiasts, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a studio loyalist, I invite you to embrace the adventure of practicing yoga in a foreign tongue. Allow yourself to get lost in translation, for sometimes the truest lessons are learned when words become irrelevant and the language of the body takes center stage. Join me on this whimsical journey where yoga poses become a universal dance, and laughter is the music that binds us all.
Namaste, my fellow seekers of sweat and serenity. Until we meet on the international mat!
What about you? Have you ever tried yoga in a language you didn’t speak? Share your hilarious experiences or lessons learned in the comments below!
