Yoga in Central Park - The beauty of Nature

Recently, I was asked to sub a lovely yoga class in Central Park for my friend/fellow Yogi Agustin. The group is normally around 7 people, a small intimate group that meets in Strawberry Fields. I woke up with a slight fever, and feeling under the weather, but I knew It was too late to call out of the class, so I headed down to the beautiful Central Park. I wish I had known about this spot beautiful before, because my other times teaching in the park were curbside with bikers, runners, dog walkers, gawkers, and once a dog that came right to my Yoga Mat as I was teaching trying to invite me to play, while those experiences were still amazing, this time it was serene. Four Ladies showed up, and we waited a while to see if anyone else would come, and slowly I was led to their "Spot". It was truly gorgeous! An amazing hideaway surrounded by beauty! Soft lush green dewy grass, brilliant trees around, the sounds of sweet birds, the sounds of silence, and subtle rays of sunlight that peaked through the trees. It was really a magnificent site. We laid out our mats and progressed into a semi Gentle Yoga Flow, embracing the concept of connection to the Universe, letting go, and embracing gratitude. My dear friend and soon to be Yoga Instructor, Joseph, came along to do adjustments. Like in any Yoga Class, we joyfully learned the most difficult part is awareness of your right from your left. We smiled and embraced our inner Goddess amidst the beauty of Mother Nature. We felt the connection to the earth in possibly the most incredible Tree Pose ever, and had a lovely time. The experience only further reminded me how I wish to teach Yoga outdoors more often. Thank you Agustin for inviting me to sub, Thank you lovely ladies for sharing your yoga practice with me, it was such a blessing to share that collective energy with you all, and thank you Joseph for your beautiful adjustments. That class made my fever lessen, and made me feel much better. It was the start of an amazing day!!! For those who have not experience Yoga with the Sun above and the earth below, go roll out your mat on a beach, at a park or in your back yard, after one sun salutation you will feel amazing!!! ~ Namaste

Yoga Outdoors

Last week, we had the Solstice and the Central Park Yoga. I am so proud of the people who ventured out to either event, to deepen their practice. The last two years I was able to attend the Solstice and many would agree, it was a magnificent experience. Doing yoga in Times Square, with so many people, and the sky above you was a wonderful way to do yoga. This year I was not able to attend but some friends of mine did and they loved it. Students from Bamboo who attended admitted that it was a wonderful experience to do yoga outdoors. Unfortunately, the Central Park Yoga was cancelled due to the weather, but what a lovely turn out. When we practice yoga outdoors we become more in tune with nature, and I think it is a deeper spiritual experience. If you are unable to attend either of these events in the future, roll out your yoga mat in the park or your backyard, take deep breaths, and do a Sun Salutation! You will love it!

Pictured: Me at the 2009 Solstice

More Pictures from Central Park Yoga

Though the event for Yoga on the Great Lawn was rained out. The crowd was still huge and the lines of people were enormous. Here are some more pictures of the event.

Pictured: Crowd Shots and Amy (fellow Yogi Bean Instructor) and myself.

Yoga on the Great Lawn at Central Park

Since my ankle has been hurting me so much I was in need of a break. Somehow the Universe, with the help of Andrew of Bamboomoves, arranged for me to be an assisting instructor at the Central Park Yoga on the Great Lawn. Ironically I wanted to attend the class as a student but I usually teach a class on Wall Street at that time. It actually worked out. My already scheduled Yoga class on Wall Street was taught by my dear friend and fellow yoga instructor, Katie. I left the Yogi Beans studio, teaching a class and though I was happy to assist people in this wonderful experience of yoga on the great lawn, my ankle issue was making me want rest. I got there, and had to change behind a tree (which I have never done) into the instructor uniform. I was being "shielded from view" by the tree and fellow Yogi Bean teacher, Amy. We are asked to make sure that people fill up the front section of the lawn and then the back. I had to go to the bathroom and used a porta potty (another first time experience). I find my way back to my post and notice that people have rolled out there mats in my section, and my crowd control skills clearly lacked the intimidating abilities that the position may have required. Oh well, it is yoga after all. I was happy to see some students who come to my monthly chakra workshops from Bamboomoves, and other friends that I knew. One friend was unable to eat his Vegan Chocolate Cupcake due to being on a diet, so I was more than willing to assist. There I was eating his delicious Vegan Cupcake from Otarian while standing in Tree Pose. A fellow Berklee College of Music Alumni & Canadian was on stage playing bass, Garth Stevenson. The brilliant Dharma Mittra led the Om. Elena Brower led what seemed to be a semi Sun Salutation while tiny drops of rain fell from stone grey clouds, and the thousands of people who laid out there yoga mats left the great lawn, due to a monsoon like rain! Sadly there were still thousands of people lined up waiting to get into the sectioned off area of the park. They said it would be rescheduled, and oddly I was happy because the pain in my ankle was not pleasant at this point. Myself and a friend peacefully walk to the exit and get drenched on our way to the train. Before getting to the train we stop at Starbucks for a tea, I changed out of my uniform top, and I create a rain poncho from a trash bag that was given to me by the Starbucks lady. While there was really no yoga on the great lawn, like every yoga experience it was life changing and unique. I changed in a public place, used a porta potty, ate my dieting friends Vegan cupcake in front of him while doing a tree pose, made a lovely rain poncho from a trash bag, and was inspired to be serious about seeing a podiatrist for my foot. I guess I was meant to be there. Before the rain came down hard, they announced that they will repeat the event later in the summer. ~ Peace & Hugs, Ambria