Hello, friends!
Six days into 2016 and I'm feeling energized and optimistic as ever. After attempting my first unassisted drop back in my Ashtanga practice (and nailing it!), and beginning to make connections with strangers, friends, and yogis through posting a picture and story a day on social media I have a feeling that 2016 is going to be a great year. Oh, and 108 sun salutations with 100+ yogis to benefit a great cause on January 2 didn't hurt either ;D
For the second year in a row I attended the Yoga Mala sponsored by 502 Power Yoga. This event consisted of 14 local yoga instructors with various backgrounds, guiding a huge room full of yogis through 108 sun salutations, and a few other fun poses thrown in here and there!
I had the opportunity to volunteer at this year's event along with around 10 or 15 other lovely yogis. I arrived at 8 am for set up of the spacious room overlooking the Ohio River. The Muhammed Ali Center was the venue for the event this year, and I must say it was an epically amazing view. The event was scheduled for 10 am to 1 pm. Three hours of non stop yoga fun? SIGN. ME. UP.
During set up I got the chance to connect with my fellow volunteers, and at 9 am I headed down to the lobby with two of my new friends. We were in charge of directing the flow of yogis to the 6th floor where the party would take place. I very important task, if I do say so myself! I am such a homebody when it comes to the studio I practice (shout out to Yoga East), so it was nice getting to interact and hear stories from the lovely ladies that practice at 502 Power Yoga.
They had nothing but great things to say about the community at that studio. Not surprising since several of the teachers at 502 Power Yoga are mentors to teachers in Kenya who are part of the Africa Yoga Project, for which this event was taking place. AYP takes yoga instructors to the slums of Africa to teach those living in the distressed, impoverished and violent conditions to teach yoga to others, bringing hope and a sense of peace to the community.
At 10 am we got down to business. 108 sun salutations with music accompaniment by Ben Sollee, who I didn't know, but didn't know that I needed to know. The hipster in me LOVED him. (Insert nerdy glasses emoji... and maybe a slouchy hat.)
At 1 pm we wound down... 106. 107. 108. Then, the best guided Savasana ever.
Although it may seem like a lot, this event is for all levels. Some things were harder than others, and some things were just fun. And of course, as in any other yoga class, there is nothing wrong with taking the occasional Child's Pose when your body has had enough.
If you just heard about the event, were curious, or were considering going, my best advice would be not to let the idea of 108 sun salutations deter you from spending quality time connecting with other people who have the same goal in mind as you do - to start the year off with a bang (or an Om), and to do something great for yourself, others around you, and ultimately the world.
For more information about 502 Power Yoga, visit www.502poweryoga.com. For more information on the Africa Yoga Project and it's mission, visit www.africayogaproject.org.
Oh, and one last thing... Happy birthday to me!
Namaste, lovelies.
