Looking at Smith and building on Nevrin, does your practice space promote a sense of community? DEFINE this community and discuss its PURPOSE for both the studio and you. How much do you feel part of this community?

I believe that my practice space at one point for me did produce a sense of community.  When I first started going to the studio, which has been about 2 years ago there was a sense of practitioners being acquainted with each other.  Before the start of the class you were to get up off your mat and meet at least 2 new people, as well as those you are practicing / sweating next to.  I enjoyed this because I feel it's important when you're in the same room with other people frequently that you should be able to recognize faces and names, maybe a fun fact they told you about themselves.  This creates belonging and the ability to be seen.  So often I feel as though humans forget what it's like to be human.  We all know that we would love the person next to us to say hi and introduce themselves to break what ever nervous tension you may be feeling- but we won't.  We are too often afraid of rejection or feelings of inadequacy or weirdness.  No no we can't be thought of as weird.  Also before class started they would ask if anyone had never done yoga before, or this specific style.  This wasn't to single them out (although maybe it did) but to ensure that this space cared about your well being and wanted to make sure that your yoga abilities were accounted for.  It's purpose for the studio is to encourage people to come back, and bring new people.  It starts a conversation that yoga is a place where you can have friends outside of work.  Basic human American needs are met- working out, relaxation, and social interaction.  Yoga when looked at this way sounds practically perfect in every way.  For me this used to be important because I wanted to be a part of a group.  I had been on sports teams my whole life, I wanted a team to push me and know me for who I am as a person.  This community was in my life when I needed it to be, now I belong elsewhere and am much more comfortable and confident with myself.  I don't feel it necessary anymore to belong to this community, but if others feel they need it I hope they are satisfied.  The studio no longer asks these questions, or allows us to get off our mats and force healthy interaction with others.  I guess that's what happens when people get comfortable- they stop doing the positive things they did in the beginning.