Wednesday evening, the first day of Summer, I participated in the Athleta sponsored Solstice in Times Square with thousands of other yogis.  Beginning at 7pm, it was an hour and a half long yoga class set up along Broadway between 43rd and 47th streets – thankfully the sun had already set enough behind the buildings so that we weren’t sitting in the direct sunlight.

Our class commenced with a shout-out to ourselves as we cheered and aum’d, awakening our minds and our awareness of all of the possibilities in our lives and in our spirit.  As with all yoga practices, the instructor guides you to ignore your crazy world outside of the studio (in this case it was bustling Times Square and the onlookers from the sidewalk and tourist buses) in order to focus on yourself as you transcend and find tranquility. Our class was led by Dana Flynn from Laughing Lotus and she was terrific!  Dana encouraged us to focus on ourselves but to also recognize and to be grateful for where we were, in the middle of Times Square.  As we posed and stretched and strengthened our bodies in the heart of the world, Dana spiritually led us to open our hearts to ourselves, to our friends and loved ones and to embrace opportunities given to us, beginning with the one that was given to us that night.

Throughout the class, Dana led us through the basic poses while encouraging us to free our minds and our bodies as we shook our bodies to the fun music DJ Prasanna was playing, dancing and singing freely throughout our poses.

Wednesday night was truly magically and energizing.  I had a great time as I listened to my heart and my body.  This was an experience unlike any other I’ve had in NYC.

If you are interested in watching the live streaming of the night, you can watch it here:  http://livestre.am/3YLrv.  You can also find Dana’s inspirational quotes and play list on her FB page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/cosmicdana

Thank you to Dana Flynn with the help of the Times Square Alliance.  I went home mentally and physically stronger.