love all things yoga: yoga poses, yoga pants (Lord knows, I love yoga pants), yogic breathing, headstands, crow prose— okay, maybe not all things; I mean definitely not hanumanasana pose (come on, splits after 40? That’s just unnatural). But you get my point. Now, ask me how often I practiced yoga this entire summer? Give up? Three times! I didn’t even practice in a studio. Instead, I practiced in my sunroom, and truth be told, on my third attempt stopped mid-way through a YouTube class to have coffee and cookies (yes cookies, don’t judge) with my husband. So, what’s my point? I’ll tell you. While preparing this month’s issue, I got to pour over tons of photos of local yogis as I searched for the perfect cover to represent yoga on Long Island. Each photo was better than the last and filled me with awe and, quite honestly, a bit of peace. I was brought back to a time in my life when I had just discovered yoga and was practicing four to five times a week. During that time, I was extremely centered and balanced. I was also strong and healthy and probably about 10 pounds lighter (both physically AND mentally)! But life got in the way and my practice declined.
I am a self-described yoga dropout! It could be worse; I could be a “yoga-isn’t-for- me” type. I have met many of these folks—you know those that say, “I tried yoga; it just wasn’t for me.” My response is always the same, “Impossible”—meaning it is impossible to have “tried yoga” since there are so many styles. If one style doesn’t “work” for you, try another. It took years for me to find a practice that I really connected with. I tried Bikram, hot vinyasa, warm vinyasa, ashtanga, Babtiste, Forrest. You name it, I tried it, until I finally found the practice that offered me the most peace and connection—body, mind and soul.
If you have never practiced yoga; feel you have already “tried yoga”; or if you are like me and are having more “sundaes” than sun salutations, then this issue has come at the perfect time. This month as children go back to school, perhaps we should consider doing so, too. There are many local teacher trainings starting up, and they are perfect for those that want to become certified yoga instructors or even those that simply want to deepen their practice. On September 24 at Sands Point Preserve, in Port Washington, people across Long Island will be offered a truly unique way to practice as they join One Love Long Island, a yoga festival like no other, where the intention for the day’s practice is to specifically raise awareness about the horrors of human trafficking.
So, what are you waiting for? Never done yoga? There is a beginner class for you. Have you “already tried yoga” and didn’t like it? Then get out there and experience a different form. Or, if you are like me—someone whose only splits this summer came with ice cream and bananas—then I hope this issue inspires you to get off the couch and onto the mat! Namaste.
Malama Pono!
Kelly Martinsen, Publisher
