52 Weeks of Wellness: Saying Goodbye to Two Thousand Zen
Monday, Jan 3, 2011
Week One: Kripalu Yoga
My five-year-old daughter has learned how to meditate. Me? Not so much. I have always had an immense appreciation for the calming, insightful effects of yoga on my body and along with that, the intense focus on the minute details, like how my breath sounds and what my muscles are experiencing. Yet I have never been able to check my to-do lists at the door and mindfully wander to another plateau.
This morning, I came close. In a darkened room with a dozen others, the stage set with calm music and a small chime, I lost myself in the smooth voice of the instructor, Keita. The music was so effective, in fact, that near the end of the class, the participants were humming in unison, chanting and getting lost in the sway of the rhythm.
Keita explains to us that Kripalu Yoga practice encourages sounds and so we make big audible sighs, we stick out our tongues with a loud lion roar, and yes, we sing to the music on the stereo. Infectious and good for the soul is Keita’s giggle as she clearly enjoys leading us through the poses, the stretches, and the concentration on our selves. As she directs our bodies into gentle poses, Keita encourages us to be aware of how we feel, but to not pass judgment. I heed this advice, turn my head from the studio mirrors, and enjoy the moment.
This class is good for everyone. All abilities, all types. Keita provides advice on how to modify the poses to suit your needs and encourages you to move at your own pace. I encourage you to give it a try. As I mentioned to another Y staffer as I left the class, now would be a good time to ask me for something you really want, because my state of mind is very agreeable right now! Mondays look a whole lot rosier after starting the week with Kripalu Yoga.
Class: Kripalu Yoga at the Greater Portland YMCA, Studio A
Instructors: Keita Whitten and Danika Kuhl
Schedule: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, 9:00 – 10:30 am
For a full schedule of wellness classes, including other Yoga classes, click here:
Don’t forget to check out John’s Health & Fitness Tips!
Hildy
Hildy Ginsberg is Portland’s Executive Director. She feels that the YMCA is the greatest place on earth. Seriously. Don’t you?