The Class by Taryn Toomey is a workout for the mind, body and spirit.
I went to The Class in June without really knowing what to expect. I found out about it on Instagram and was intrigued by the concept of merging movement with emotional processing. This particular session incorporated a therapeutic discussion about letting go led by Vienna Pharaon (@mindfulmft), a family and marriage therapist.
I walked in right as class was starting and claimed an empty mat. Each participant stands on a mat only inches apart from each other. The music plays loudly in a small studio. Taryn, facilitates the class, guiding us through the movements while allowing us the freedom to move however our body calls us to.
I could feel my mind wanting to connect with my body. Just in that first guided movement, shaking and waving my arms to the music. I allowed my body to meet the rhythm of the music playing. Bouncing on the mat, I did not hold back the sounds coming from my mouth which was a combination of breath and a release of emotion. We were free to laugh, cry or anything in between.
A Physical and Mental Challenge
The intensity of the workout which included squats, jumping jacks and burpees was a physical challenge that ultimately challenged me mentally. It is when the physical body is tired, uncomfortable and hurting that our minds start saying things that will either block our progress or inspire us to keep on going and maybe even push us a little farther than our limits.
Halfway through the class the mirrors at the front of the room were fogged up from the heat we generated. There were moments when I felt I couldn’t keep up. I had to modify some movements or slow down a little. I had to find a balance between listening to my body and honoring what it could handle with pushing myself out of my comfort zone and knowing this discomfort will pass.
Sweat dripped from my body and I felt liberated in each movement and with the accompanying release of emotion. I was becoming aware of my mental blocks. In between the intense repetitive movements, we were asked to become still and put our hands on our hearts; to be aware of how our bodies felt and to connect with our breath and our feelings in that moment. It was a heart opening experience.
Create a New Story
The discussion afterwards invited us to get in touch with our inner critic and to start healing whatever childhood wounds we may still be carrying. Several people shared a common limiting belief of not feeling worthy or good enough. When we know what our limiting beliefs are, we can make a conscious decision to reprogram our minds and create a new story rather than continue to relive the old one.
The Class was a cathartic experience that left me feeling inspired and energized, yet drained at the same time. My body was sore and I could barely walk, but The Class was worth it.
