It often seems hard to make time for things that are good for us–sleep, fresh food, relaxation, exercise–you name it. But the truth is, without a healthy body and a healthy mind, we have nothing.
So, last Tuesday morning, I made time to squeeze in a free outdoor yoga class offered at The Lakes. The class, which takes place every week (weather permitting) at 9:30 a.m., offers the meditative experience of yoga in a serene setting of greenery, sunshine, and the sound of the nearby water fountains.
Nearly 50 other people of all ages and of both genders donned their stretchiest pants and unfurled their yoga mats/towels/picnic blankets to begin their morning in a similar fashion. The instructor, Drorit Rudin, carefully explained each pose to the yogis-in-training, offering help to those who needed it and more difficult variations for those who were more experienced.
Throughout the class, she encouraged awareness of the “heart-center” and the melding of mind and body, while focusing on the importance of ridding the stress of everyday life.
Lexi, 17, a participant revealed that exercise and meditation can be enjoyable. "I’ve never done yoga before, it’s fun," she said. "At the end you feel calm and stretched.”
I couldn’t agree more. It took the entire hour for me to slow down my mind, shut out all of my worries and apprehensions, and focus on the present. When the hour was up, however, I felt physically and mentally recharged and ready to conquer the day. I consider moments like these to be life 'tune-ups' that recalibrate us and set us on the right track–and they aren’t just nice, they’re necessary.
Rudin, an instructor at the donation-based in Agoura Hills, also noted how much yoga has benefited those who attend her class. “People come up to me and share their stories of how yoga has changed their bodies and has offered them relief. That’s what it’s about. I feel that the fact it’s outside and complimentary has invited lots of people to participate.”
After I achieved my appropriate dosage of zen, I grabbed a delicious bite to eat at Nate n Al Delicatessen, a chic deli at The Lakes that offers both healthy (like egg white omelets) and family-friendly options. A perfect conclusion to my morning and a perfect start to my day.
The Lakes also hosts free outdoor Zumba classes at 9:30 a.m.on Fridays.
For more information on Drorit and the Power of Yoga Studio, visit their web site.
For more cool local events (and inside info on awesome workout gear!) Like the lululemon athletica fb page:http://www.facebook.com/lululemonCalabasas?v=app_53267368995
