Thousands of years ago, yoga, meditation, and other wellness practices were passed down through an individual, teacher-to-student relationship. A teacher would get to know the student’s goals and challenges, and assign specific practices to bring them into balance. Since every student was so different, the teacher understood that the movement, breathing, concentration, and nutrition suggestions would have to be unique as well.
As the years passed and interest increased, teachers adapted by teaching several students at once, and group classes were born. With this evolution, a set of practices would be taught, and the students endeavored to fit themselves into the group curriculum. The students turned their focus away from their own needs and moved towards achieving what their teachers were offering. They began to look outside of themselves to determine their progress and their value.
As these group classes grew over time, each teacher would create offerings that were authentic to their own experience, and make suggestions on how their disciples could embody them. Thus was the creation of “styles,” or “lineages.” The teachers distinguished themselves by ascribing a certain set of postures, pace, repetition, and amount of rest; describing them in specific ways and determining a focus. The tools the teachers used were the same—postures, breathing, nutrition, and concentration—but they shared varying value systems. Some focused on creating heat in the body, others on moving towards stillness. Some focused on aligning body mechanics within a static physical posture, while others emphasized aligning the breath with the movement. These styles were established by lifetime practitioners, all with a sincere desire to share the power of yoga—the power of harnessing our energy. We have gratitude for and honor these lineages.
For many years, if a student wanted to study with a senior, experienced teacher, most of what they would have access to was a teacher sharing their own style, or lineage. The student would fit themselves into the teachings, but somewhere along the way, they might find that the style no longer suited their needs. They might get injured or enter a life phase where something else was needed. Because the style itself was not meant to adapt, it would leave the student without a practice. They would then need to search until they found a new teacher and a new style to follow.
Later, the creation of books, then video, then the internet, then social media allowed unprecedented numbers of people to benefit from these teachings. It also allowed students to experience multiple styles, and build a practice that evolved with them. However, with the increased ease and accessibility of practice, another level of intimacy was lost.
We at Glo have long asked ourselves how we might use technology to recreate the experience of being met where we are and given exactly what we need. Instead of asking students to practice our way, how could we help them find their own unique, ever-changing path?
Recently, we unveiled new features that will bring us closer to a more intimate, authentic practice. We designed For You, Collections, and Your Library to be your most personalized experience to date—from better ways to organize the classes you love to recommendations based on your interests and experience. We aim to continue creating opportunities to learn about your needs, so together we can build a practice that’s completely For You.
