Yoga is not only a physical exercise, but it is also equally a mental and spiritual exercise. Melissa, the instructor gave us constant reminders to concentrate on our breathing patterns. She kept telling us to "breathe out our week." Every time I let out a breath, I exhaled all the stress that accumulated throughout the week. I simply focused on finding inner peace. And you know what? I found it!
At one point, I looked up to the endless sky of crystal blue and a single bird flew over head. The beauty of nature surrounded me. The park is right by the water. The breath-taking architecture of the University of Tampa looms in the distance. When the sun sets, it looks like a scene from Aladdin. I could hear the joyful screams of children, birds chirping, dogs barking, scooters, but even with all the commotion, I also found quiet. It's like I had created a bubble of tranquility around me and nothing could penetrate it. Honestly, some of my favorite parts of the session were when we just took in deep breaths. I forget how a simple deep breath can be so soothing. A huge gush of oxygen restores your brain. Then all you feel is a sense of lightness.
Now I have back problems, minor scoliosis to be exact. So I was worried about the difficulty of the poses and the strain it could potentially put on my back. But I really appreciated this session because you could do everything at your own pace. If you began to feel discomfort, stop stretching as far. If your muscles felt tense, relax. There were people of all ages with all different exercise styles. Some people who practice yoga daily and some who this may have been their first class. You know when you sign up for a Zumba class or yoga or just any fitness class and you show up and you're immediately intimidated because it seems like EVERYONE knows what they're doing except you? I hate that! Well, this wasn't like that at all. It was a safe space. I felt completely comfortable. There was no self conscious feeling that could take away from the harmony with myself or with the earth.
Afterwards, my body and spirit felt thoroughly refreshed! I felt relieved, relaxed, joyful, peaceful. I felt every good feeling possible. At the end, Melissa told us to thank ourselves for coming today. I loved that! Out of all the other things I could have been doing, I was doing yoga in the park. Something healthy for my body and my mind. I did thank myself. And it felt good to do that! We always try to show gratitude towards others but how often do we thank ourselves for our own actions?
I was thankful that I chose to go today. I was thankful for a wonderful instructor who uplifted me and made me feel ready for a new week. I was thankful to be there with my best friend. I was thankful for the sky. I was thankful for the warmth that the sun provided. I was thankful for the beauty that the earth gives. And finally, I was thankful for a healthy body. Yoga reminded me not to take these things for granted. What an enlightening experience!
I would highly suggest looking into taking a yoga class! Or stop by downtown Tampa on a Sunday evening for a free session! Or if you don't have enough time for that still, just take 20 minutes to stop and focus. Sit in a comfortable pose, open your heart, your mind and your spirit. And allow all anxiety, fear, doubt to slip away into the universe. Fill your head with the light feeling of oxygen. I promise, it will do wonders for your mental state.
Here are some pictures from today!!
^^ This is Melissa the instructor!! :)
Be sure to follow Going Om Yoga on Facebook! Or check out one of Melissa's yoga classes!! Follow her on her website here!
"Wisdom is knowing I am nothing; Love is knowing that I am everything.
And in between the two, my life moves."
-Nisargadatta Maharaj
She said the quote above in the session. Absolutely inspired. :) Remember to treat your body like a temple. Open your heart and mind to compassion. Live life in between wisdom and love. <3
Health is the true wealth my friends.
Namaste.
Elsie <3
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