Opening day of Free Yoga in the Park brought out the baby in many area residents. Moving from sun salutations to pigeon to happy baby pose; both first-timers and seasoned yogis, took advantage of the opportunity to practice free yoga outdoors as the second season of the program kicked off.

Happy Baby Pose

This mind/body practice is offered in the heart of Highlands Ranch at the mind body gardens of Civic Green Park from 8:15-9:15 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday through September 4, weather permitting.

“We had a vision of providing a place of beauty and serenity where anyone could come and experience a free yoga practice in a space that helps to heal the body, mind and spirit. It’s the kind of program that allows you to be in touch with the earth, nature and the community at-large,” said Nancy Levenson, founder of NamasteWorks Yoga + Wellness, LLC, and a certified yoga instructor and therapist.

“The community is what makes the class. While yoga is very personal and it stays in your head long after you leave the park, being surrounded by a hundred other people all practicing together fills me with a joyful spirit I carry throughout my entire day,” said participant Teresa Dinnen.

See the events tab for full schedule and more details.

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

Finding inner peace this summer can be as simple as stepping outdoors and onto the mat. NamasteWorks Yoga + Wellness, LLC and the Highlands Ranch Metro District have teamed up again to offer a second year of FREE Yoga in the Park. We will be offering this summer long, mind/body practice once again at Civic Green Park from 8:15-9:15 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday starting May 26 through September 4*, weather permitting. *Some dates may be excluded due to prior engagements in the park.

See full schedule and more details under events tab.

This year, eight expert teachers will take part in the outdoor program, offering their time as part of their annual Seva to the community. A spectrum of yoga lineages will add spark to the weekly practices as each instructor draws from her own teaching and life experience. This year’s participating teachers include, Nancy Levenson, Angela McLinden, Barbara Bloodgood, Elena Haykin, Jenny Clark, Jena Sawyer, Meghan Ecklund, and Sue Khodarahmi.

The practice will be open to seasoned and first time yogis, at least 18 years of age. So grab a friend or two or three, bring a yoga mat, sunscreen and a water bottle. Check in at least 15 minutes before class starts, sign a participant park waiver, pick a spot on the pristine lawn of Civic Green Park and be prepared to enjoy an hour of breath with movement yoga as we welcome in the morning.

The 2010 Program is sponsored by NamasteWorks Yoga + Wellness, the Highlands Ranch Metro District, the Colorado Lottery and Stonewear Designs.

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

A client recently shared a story with me about her use of centering in the middle of chaos. She was undergoing a rather intricate surgery to her left eye. I had asked her if she was nervous at all, given my own fear of having anything resembling a blade placed near eyes. She indicated that she arrived at the facility that morning, only slightly concerned. She was placed in an individual treatment room, prior to the surgery, and instructed to relax. She shared with me that she immediately began to draw inward, to find her center. Using some pranayama from her yoga classes and a mudra to create clear focus, she began to put her mind at ease. After all, this would be a simple procedure, it was safe.

Shortly after this, two attendants walked into her room. She remained in a total state of stillness, breathing and centering when one of the attendants began to complain to the other, that one of the pre-exam tools was broken. The other then stated that he could not open the cabinet door, “it must be stuck, it’s not working.” As these two fumbled in her presence, her mind went from centering to chaos – “what else isn’t working in this place,” she wondered to herself. The two attendants continued on with their dialogue and she took a deep breath, and brought herself back to center…..breathe, follow the inhale, follow the exhale. She started to repeat a mantra in her mind to keep herself centered. Shortly thereafter, she was wheeled into the operating room, concerned. And, moments later she was completely out.

Her surgery went well and I found her story so profound. When engaged in centering we have to be aware that distractions will try and pull us out. Some may be as insignificant as another thought we are having and some so startling to move us away from center altogether. Only through practice do we learn to stay in the present moment, focused on our intention. I was very impressed by her will. Staying centered is hard enough, but it’s quite another story to stay centered in the middle of chaos.