A recent post on social media sparked a lively discussion among yoga enthusiasts about an unusual practice occurring during their classes: applause after saying ‘namaste.’ The original poster, known as truly_Capricious, expressed a sense of surprise and bewilderment upon hearing clapping at the end of their yoga session, questioning whether this practice is normal. The overall sentiment in the comments ranged from enthusiastic endorsement to mild confusion, revealing a range of perspectives on this newly emerging trend in the yoga community.
Summary
- Responses to clapping reveal a split between those who embrace it as a gesture of gratitude and those who find it distracting.
- Some participants link clapping to cultural practices from dance classes or other fitness environments.
- The conversation touched on the nuances of maintaining mindfulness in yoga and how applause may interfere with that.
The Clapping Divide
It seems that the shared experience of clapping after namaste ignited a fervent debate among Reddit users. Some, like SunRa7191, offered an endearing perspective, suggesting that their applause is a tribute to their 92-year-old instructor, who leads them through practice despite his age. He stated, “We applaud after the final ‘namaste’ bc our instructor is 92 years old and every day this man can get up and do this for us is a blessing.” This positive sentiment highlights the appreciation yoga practitioners may feel for their instructors, turning an open dialogue about clapping into a celebration of resilience and gratitude.
Cultural Considerations
However, not everyone was on board with this trend. Some commenters pointed out the potential awkwardness and jarring nature of clapping in a typically serene setting. Dees_A_Bird_ conveyed her discomfort, sharing that while she doesn’t oppose clapping, it’s not her preference and she avoids participating, calling attention to the contrasting atmosphere that clapping creates: “I personally like to hold onto that zen feeling as long as possible.” Her sentiment resonates with many yoga practitioners who prioritize the restorative aspects of their practice and found it perplexing to intertwine it with applause.
The Reflexive Response
Interestingly, a few users theorized that the urge to clap could stem from early exposure to dance classes or similar settings, where applause is a customary sign of appreciation. For instance, picklesdickles2345 remarked, “It’s considered polite to clap after a dance class. I imagine it’s just reflex for some people after growing up doing dance as kids.” This notion suggests that clapping in yoga might not only symbolize gratitude but could also originate from habitual muscle memory—an automatic response engraved by previous experiences in performance or fitness-oriented contexts.
Mindfulness vs. Celebration
As the conversation unfolded, another key theme emerged: the impact of clapping on mindfulness during yoga practice. Several participants expressed concern that applause disrupts the meditative post-class energy. DifficultyKlutzy5845 shared bluntly, “Absolutely not normal 😂,” while others echoed similar sentiments regarding the importance of maintaining tranquility after an intense session. With the peaceful ambience of yoga often contrasting sharply with the celebratory nature of clapping, it’s clear many practitioners prefer to conclude their sessions quietly, allowing time for introspection and relaxation.
Overall, as the replies to the original post reveal, the yoga community’s reaction to clapping is remarkably varied. Some find it a joyful component of their routine that enhances their connection with the instructor, while others regard it as a perplexing distraction that disrupts the core intention of their practice. Regardless of the differing opinions, what stands out is the community’s ability to engage in open discourse, cultivating understanding as they navigate the evolving landscape of yoga practices.
This light-hearted yet thought-provoking discussion showcases the importance of respecting individual preferences in a community that thrives on mindfulness and personal expression. Whether clapping becomes a new norm, a passing trend, or remains an isolated sentiment in a few classes, it undeniably reflects the broader engagement among yoga practitioners in shaping their practice. Meanwhile, the old school practitioners may quietly continue to uphold tradition, savoring their concluding moments without fanfare, letting their final namaste linger in the air like incense after class.