Yoga in Times Square
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 
Yesterday, to celebrate the longest day of the year, thousands of people practiced yoga in Times Square. I went with my friend Amy to the lunchtime Bikram yoga class.... Here's what it was like.
Amy was the first friend I made at our yoga studio. She just completed her 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge... and she hasn't stopped yet! Today is her Day #35. Isn't that incredible? She's an inspiring woman. Oh and she speaks like six languages. Say what!
After the registered attendees were all set up, we were led in a collective warm-up (a breathing and stretching series that were unfamiliar to me). And then we began our traditional Bikram practice...
I loved the collective energy, the "mind over madness" experience, feeling calm right in heart of one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world. There's really nothing like doing Camel pose with 2,000+ other people and looking at the 2011 New Years Eve ball behind me! Surreal.
And 90 minutes later.... the final savasana...
After our class ended, we had fun doing poses for pictures.
I've been working on my Tree.
Amy has a FIERCE Standing Bow.
Balancing Stick is a lot harder when you're laughing!
We had such an amazing day! Thank you so much to all the sponsors – Lucy, Febreeze, Luna, Travelocity, Yoga Journal, Fresh 102.7, Balance & the Times Square Alliance! (Check out professional photos from the event on this flicker page and this MSNBC photoblog). Summer Solstice in Times Square is my new annual NYC tradition!
If I had a dollar for how many times I said to Amy, "this is the best day ever...."
Have I mentioned how much I love living in Manhattan? I feel grateful every day for this chapter in my life.
3 Comments | tagged New York City, USA, challenges, community, culture, news, personal, sports, yoga | Share Article | Tweet | in fitness
Reader Comments (3)
Wow, what a very cool event!
What a neat experience to have! I love following your new life in Manhattan, so amazing!
That's amazing! I cannot imagine doing yoga that close together! What a great experience. I love that you've made friends in your class...and yes, six languages, wow!