The Art of Yoga: Join Us on December 4 for Yoga Dance at the Ritz-Carlton

Photo by Melissa Ostrow

Dear Be Well Boston Readers, Movers, and Shakers:

Do you practice yoga? If so, what kind do you partake in? Are you a traditionalist, sticking to slower and more foundational flows? Or do you love the modern spins like hip-hop and high-intensity yoga? In Boston, there’s no shortage of yoga classes to fit your fancy, and even better, there’s no lack of instructors to find the one you jive with most—after all, I think that’s one of the most important aspects of finding a practice that suits you best.

I must tell you, though: I have a hard time with yoga. Sometimes I can’t seem to quiet my mind, sometimes I pay too much attention to my neighbor, and sometimes I just don’t like holding pigeon pose because it hurts too damn much. That was, until I stopped forcing and started allowing.

The moment of realization came after a rather stressful weekend trip. I knew my body needed some TLC so I signed up for 2016 Best of Boston Winner North End Yoga’s Sunday night Yin yoga at 6:30 p.m. (highly recommend!). As the class filled up, I took my mat, bolster, blanket, and blocks to the corner of the room and set up camp. When it was time to begin, I closed my eyes and didn’t open them for the entirety of the class. I became one with my body.

My hair, unkempt and free-flowing, fell in my face as I twisted and turned and allowed my breath to flow with my arms and legs. I could feel every bit of my spirit filling back up with the positive energy in the room. I had no idea if I was doing poses “correctly” (is that even a thing?) and I didn’t care what the person next to me was doing. I was so immersed in what I was doing and how I was feeling. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I was truly flowing.

When it was time to leave, I was the last person to exit the room. I rolled up my mat, brushed my hair out of my face, and bid the instructor farewell, thanking him for a wonderful practice.

Have you ever experienced a yoga practice so remarkable? If not, now’s your chance.

Join me on December 4 at the Ritz-Carlton from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. for a yoga dance class led by Kripalu instructor Toni Bergins, followed by free drinks and appetizers. Let’s shake out some stress from the holiday season and have some fun—you deserve it.

Will I see you there? Let me know here.

Sincerely,

Tessa Yannone, CSCS, Wellness Editor of Boston Magazine