Walking around the streets of New York City, one gets the sense that there is a new fashion item in style, the yoga mat has become the “new black.” Many people walk around with their yoga mats around their shoulders like it is a fashion statement. I would always look at those people with complete cynicism and skepticism. That was until I went to my first yoga class in NYC. I emerged from the class transformed and had clarity to understand what all of the “yoga-mat carrying” was about. When I take a yoga class, my day melts away. Any bad energy or negative feelings that I have been carrying around with me during the day subside as my body and brain merge and concentrate on the class. To me, yoga is a connection of the body and mind to make one aware of the whole self. Throughout the class the practitioner is urged to listen to their own breath, to pay attention to only themselves, to commit fully to the practice and to make choices that feel good while challenging the body (and mind) to go deeper into the practice. . .
(written 5/4/2010)
... as much as I appreciate moving and being active, I don't like the gym and working out, it seems sterile and limiting to me, this way of moving fulfilled my quest for a "workout" that stretches and strengthens my body, but as an unexpected bonus, it has given me a way to stress-relief, to find calmness, to find myself for at least the hour and a few minutes after the practice, and also to strive to infuse this feeling throughout my life. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
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