Denver, Colorado, United States
Saturday, August 26, 2023
On a beautiful late summer morning in the city of Denver, surrounded by majestic mountains, I wake up and prepare to head to the room named «Lakshmi.» This room is flooded with light as the sun’s rays filter through the large white curtains. The spaces for each student are arranged with respect and attention, and in this moment, in the presence of life, everything seems to be in its place, and all feels well.
The individuals in the room vary in their nervousness or confidence, but what is true is that we are all here with a conscious intention. Each one of us has opened the door of our lives to self-knowledge and is ready to expand through the wisdom shared by others. I hold deep respect for all those present because I know it takes courage to break free from a system that dictates how every human should be and to venture into the unknown to find oneself at a deeper and more intimate level.
I also want to express my gratitude to the teachers who have come a long way to be here and have created this beautiful learning program. They have opened space to share their perspectives and have created an environment where we can share ours.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The first class begins, titled «Salute to the Sun: Surya Namaskara A.»
Before commencing the class, we all breathe in unison and initiate the practice with meditation to connect with the present moment.
«Surya» translates as «sun,» and «Namaskara» as «salutation.» This sequence is a homage to the physical and spiritual lineage of yoga. The sun represents a vibrant and vital energy that contributes to growth and development. Saluting it through this sequence is a way of honoring, acknowledging, and expressing gratitude for its existence.
During this first class, my mind strives to stay focused on this new experience. I reflect on how many times I have truly been present in my life through my body, soul, and mind. I wonder if the sense of presence is an indicator that we are where we should be. Life doesn’t come with a perfect manual, but we have the power to piece together our puzzle, even in uncomfortable spaces.
The yoga teacher initiates the class with captivating energy and shares her experience through movements that complement her words. She guides us through the sequences of the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara), which consists of 8 asanas, with 4 of them repeated at the end. The Sun Salutation starts and ends with hands together over the heart in Anjali mudra. I interpret this sequence as both an opening and a closing in the yoga practice.
The Sun Salutation sequence is performed as follows:
Sanskrit / English
- Tadasana (The Mountain)
- Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute)
- Uttanasana (Forward Bend)
- Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)
- Phalakasana (Plank Pose)
- Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight-Limbed Salutation)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
- Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose)
- Uttanasana (Forward Bend)
- Tadasana (The Mountain)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
We have an hour-long break, and we gather in the room where the reception is located. This turns into an opportunity to introduce ourselves to one another and begin to get to know each other. I make an effort to learn the names of my classmates, and everyone is very friendly, showing a sincere desire to connect and get to know others.
I didn’t bring food for the day, so I decide to join two of my classmates to go to a nearby café. We sit outside the establishment and begin to share our stories. Although we may not delve into all the details of our lives so far, we share the stage of life where we currently find ourselves. One of them shows me pictures of her delicious food recipes, while the other shares images of her beautiful cats. This inspires me to consider organizing my own healthy meals.
We now return to the Lakshmi room…
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