September is National Yoga Month, designed to inspire others to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle while educating about the benefits of the practice. Designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Yoga Month serves as a time to make small changes to our daily habits in order to promote increased energy, cardio and circulatory health and even weight reduction.
The practice of yoga has been around for 5,000 years, first practiced in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India by Vedic priests. Rooted in self-healing and mind-body harmony, yoga is dedicated to the body’s ability to heal itself. While there are over one hundred variations of the practice, most modern yoga studios integrate exercises from various schools. Most sessions typically include breathing exercises, meditation and poses that stretch and flex muscle groups.
“Though many of these techniques date back to ancient times, the benefits [that yoga] provides are invaluable in modern day life,” said Yoga Nanda owner Cara Stone. “Yoga provides the tools people need to successfully navigate the pressures of the current fast paced world in which we live. These teachings also provide a safe and effective outlet for releasing physical and emotional tension through mindful movement, breath awareness, and meditation. Yoga classes offer in-studio guidance as well as simple instructions for at-home practices so students can continue to cultivate mindfulness on their own.”
Om Sweet Om Yoga features various open classes throughout the month of September, ranging from foundational beginners classes, candlelight yoga, pre/post-natal, teen yoga and senior classes. Also available for the month is a new beginners series with Yoga Nanda’s own Kathleen Byrne. Affectionately named “Basic Tuesdays”, the class will focus on the fundamentals of breathing, posture and preliminary poses.
“At Yoga Nanda our mission is to build a yoga community where you can know your truth, speak your truth, and hold your truth in your heart,” continued Stone. “Through physical, emotional, and spiritual self-realization, we grow to unite with our larger collective in compassion and service.”
To kick-off the celebration, the Sands Point Preserve in Port Washington hosted the One Love Long Island Yoga Festival on Sept. 9, featuring live music performances, drum circles, meditation, henna artists and a multitude of yoga-related activities and seminar.
“Yoga Nanda celebrates Yoga Month by being of service and continuing to support One Love Long Island Yoga Festival,” said Stone. “The festival is in its sixth year, and is put on completely by volunteers. One hundred percent of the profits to be donated to support survivors of human trafficking as well as a Long Island organization that works with families with alcoholism and drug addiction.”
For more information about Yoga Month and Yoga Nanda, visit www.yoga-nanda.com or call 516-307-9007.
Check out some of these yoga month specials:
Ever Veda
140 Cove Rd., Oyster Bay; 516-721-4216
Specials: Ever Veda is offering a full-day autumn retreat on Sept. 24 which includes a sunrise fire ceremony, meditation, gentle yoga and kirtan (call and response chanting). Local practitioners will lead introductory and interactive discussions on nutrition, daily routine and Vedic astrology. Ayurvedic breakfast and lunch, herbal teas and treats will be provided throughout.
Body in Balance Yoga
111 E. Jericho Tpke., Mineola; 516-747-4997
Specials: Every Sunday throughout the month of September, Body in Balance Yoga is offering $5 Sunday yoga. Join yogi Hang Njuyen and experience a taste of Yoga Month for an affordable price.
Om Sweet Om Yoga
12 Irma Ave., Port Washington; 516-944-9642
Specials: New students are welcomed at Om Sweet Om Yoga with a $39 unlimited pass for two weeks.
Long Island Weekly celebrates National Yoga Month!
