As a Level 2/3 teacher, I often get asked the question, "Do you think I'm ready to take a Level 2/3 class?" The truth is, each student is different, and there is no black and white answer to this question. However, I have some general thoughts as to when a student is ready to take his/her practice to the next level and become an "advanced" yogi (I'll explain why I've added quotation marks to advanced later on).

When considering whether to take the next step in growing your practice, it is important to ask yourself a few questions first.

*Have you been practicing for awhile?

*Have you been doing a vinyasa style class?

*Have you taken several Level 1/2 classes and find that you feel stronger in your practice?

*Do you tend to push yourself too hard, or do you shy away from challenging yourself?

It should always be a priority to find balance within your practice. Reflecting on my personal practice, I find that I tend to push myself too hard. It has been difficult for me to set my ego aside and simply listen to my body. Over the course of many years as a practitioner, I have found it has become easier for me to rest when my mind and body need it. To me, this embodies the definition of an "advanced" yogi.

I don't believe being an advanced yogi means you have to be able to do one-handed handstands, or any inversions for that matter. I believe an advanced yogi is someone who has practiced yoga for a length of time, who takes time to recognize the strength they have gained in mind, body, and spirit. The advanced yogi is constantly seeking balance in their practice. This is someone who takes modifications when their body calls for them to, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, the advanced yogi might hold a challenging pose five seconds longer than he/she thinks possible.

I remember there was one particular 2/3 class I took with my mentor/teacher, Philip Fulton. I was feeling really good, and I was going for it. I was doing every chaturanga and every arm balance, and feeling like I could conquer anything. Out of nowhere, I hit a wall of dizziness and nausea. I spent the rest of the class in child's pose, tuning into myself. I spent time recognizing that maintaining awareness of breath and leaving your ego at the door are both so essential, especially in a level 2/3 class. We are all going to experience times of imbalance, and we can draw valuable lessons from those experiences.

Let's go back to those first questions about taking the next step in your practice. If you have been practicing yoga for awhile, and feel like you have gotten stronger and improved in your Level 1/2 practice, what is stopping you from trying a Level 2/3 class? Is it fear? Is it ego? If you are not sure whether you are ready, never hesitate to ask a teacher you trust.

My general answer to a student who asks me if they are ready for a Level 2/3 class is, "This is going to be a challenging class. There may be some poses that will take you out of your comfort zone. You will need to constantly listen to your body. You will need to find that balance of working too hard, and hardly working. If you think you can do that, you are ready." Why not give it a try?

- Leanna Joan

THE ADVANCED YOGI