Imagine yourself standing on the Earth’s surface. In this image you view yourself from out in space, looking back upon the Earth. There is nothing but you and the Earth. You are on a lush emerald green lawn and the sky is a soft powder blue. It’s a crystal clear day without a cloud in the sky, allowing you to see, unobstructed, into the vastness.

You are standing barefoot with wide toes and you invite the cool grass to move between each toe, like chilled noodles working their way down your throat on a hot summers’ day. You are completely relaxed, tranquil and at peace.

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Record numbers of first-timers are coming out to participate in Free Yoga in the Park, a joint promotion NamasteWorks Yoga + Wellness is running in collaboration with the Highlands Ranch Metro District. Newcomers are finding out how being a Warrior in the Park can transform into strength, vitality and concentration in real life.

Park Warriors

Sometimes individuals are hesitant to try yoga because they feel they may have to twist into a pretzel or stand on their head. The real message behind yoga is standing on your own two feet. Not only in the traditional sense of balancing, but using yoga as a guide to your inner self and grounding you for whatever may come your way. I’m delighted to see so many new faces step onto the mat for the first time through this outdoor promotion.

I’ve been taking informal polls each week at Yoga in the Park. The latest information reveals that almost half of the crowds are experiencing yoga for the first time and weeks into the free program, almost half are now indicating they have been to at least five or more Free Yoga in the Park practice sessions.

Whether it’s moving into Warrior, Eagle, Locust, Downward Facing Dog, or balancing in Tree Pose yoga is a an opportunity for everyone to step into their own skin and find union not only between mind, body and breath, but union with every living thing.

©NamasteWorks Yoga + Wellness, LLC, http://www.namasteworksyoga.com, Nancy Levenson.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of facilitating a yoga teacher workshop, Teaching the Inspired Class, with Jeanne Thornton. This workshop, targeted to new and experienced yoga instructors, was designed to help teachers “breathe life back into their classes.” Through a series of exercises, practice, meditation and small team breakouts, teachers were able to reconnect with their own source of inspiration and meet new teachers in the community. Below are some of the comments from the participating teachers.