There are those moments when I am still in disbelief that I live in New York City and have the opportunity to experience, it in all it’s wonder on a daily basis.

Last night was one of those moments.

 

Thanks to Nature’s Made vitamins, I was able to experience an hour and a half yoga class, led by the hilarious and inspiring Dana Flynn, in a group of thousands of other New Yorkers hoping to find their center in Times Square.

Much to my surprise, the media pass which they procured for us included second row mats which meant we were able to be front and center for the action during last night’s Solstice in Times Square: Athleta Mind over Madness Yoga event.

Maybe it was the heat, or the fact that I was practicing yoga in Times Square with thousands of other people, but I really got into the event last night. When she asked us to dance with happiness and find our center, I was right there. Even though this often meant that my swaying hips were being broadcast to the entire group via the Toshiba Vision Screens in Times Square!

While I’m sure there are some people out there who wish this class had been more challenging or more like a typical studio 1.5 hour class, I loved every single minute of the experience. Dana Flynn, the co-founder of the event and co-founder of Laughing Lotus Yoga Center in NYC, did a wonderful job inspiring us as we moved through twists, wheels, and sun salutation series. She introduced me to some new moves I’ve never tried and there was even an awesome moment when the whole group did tree pose, while pushing against the hands of the people next to us. I can’t wait to see some of the photographs captured by the professionals as I can only imagine!

 

Who would have thought I could find some balance and calm in the middle of Times Square, an area of the city I normally avoid like the plague. But last night, surrounded by my sister-in-law and my best friend, I did.

Through chants, breaths, singing, dancing, and a little bit of booty shaking I smiled my way towards a happy and utter calm that I haven’t felt in ages.

Thank you again to Athleta and all the sponsors for helping make this event possible!

Question: What is your favorite yoga pose that helps you find your calm?