yoga day 6 | yogaworks NYC
Friday, May 28, 2010 at 11:29PM I WAS really feeling good this morning. Stress of my impending move was mounting; however, the Salvation Army Truck was scheduled to arrive early afternoon to pick up all of my donated items! Yay! I was looking forward to that feeling of relief. Purging is so cathartic. It will be nice to have some space so I can finish packing. The walls seem to be caving in. I decided to donate my couch. It’s a great couch, but I’d like to start fresh (where ever I end up). Shortly before they were scheduled to arrive, I stepped outside my door to run a quick errand. HOLY TOLEDO! My building had decided that they were going to PAINT – today, at that exact moment! My door, the frame and the hallways were all WET and the Salvation Army movers were about to arrive. I’m sure you see where I’m going with this... NO, SA did not take the couch. I can’t blame them. There’s no doubt it would’ve been ruined.
The stress I was hoping to relieve was back and bigger than ever, so I went online in search of a “relaxation” type yoga class. It was definitely that kind of day. I checked the Yogaworks schedule and phew, they offered one at 7:45! Things were looking up!
Location:yogaworks 37 W. 65th St. (4th floor) New York, NY 10023 T: (212) 769-9642 E: westsidenyc@yogaworks.com
Cost: Friend of mine, Nicole Crippen, gave me a coupon for a “one week free trial”. It expires on Monday, so perfect timing! Btw, Nicole was just certified as a yoga instructor through yogaworks.
Venue: I believe they’re considered a “chain” as they have locations sprinkled throughout CA and NYC; however, you don’t get that feeling. The environment is very bright, cheerful and serene at the same time. It has the vibe of a boutique yoga studio.
Class: Restorative (Friday 7:45 - 8:45 pm)
Class size: Approx. 17
Level: Great for first time students, stress and injury care, or to compliment a more challenging yoga practice.
Description: All levels welcome. Students use props to get into poses that can be comfortably and restfully held for 10 minutes or more. A practice that is gentle and simple allowing for breath, body and spirit to relax and open. The ultimate cure for the New York lifestyle (sign me up!)
Summary: I didn’t know it was possible to reach such a deep level of relaxation. Honestly, the idea of taking a class to “relax” seemed pretty hokey to me at first. Boy was I wrong. The class began with our instructor, Cathy Lilly, asking if we were ready to do “nothing”. I gave her an exhuberant Yes! She just chuckled and responded, “It’s harder than you think”. She’s right.
Cathy was incredible as she lead us through poses that allowed our chests to open, our lungs to expand, and our minds to relax. If it were socially acceptable for me to suck my thumb, I would have. It was a surreal experience. My only gripe is that it ended too early. I was ready to sleepover.
I highly recommend taking this class. You don’t come across someone like Cathy very often. She exudes a relaxed, positive, happy energy that is incredibly refreshing. You don’t get to meet enough Cathy’s here in NYC, so I suggest you sign up. I was drawn to her spirit. I asked her if I could please buy a bottle of whatever elixir she's brewed up, so I can take it on the road with me.
I chatted with her after class and filled her in my yoga odyssey. I knew I would benefit from her recommendations. She was incredibly supportive and suggested I take a class with Vinnie Marino. He is based in LA; however, he’ll be in NYC next weekend hosting a workshop! What luck! She said Vinnie is the most brilliant and masterful yoga practitioner around. He has a huge celebrity laced following, and he deserves every one of them. He’s THAT good. As soon as I got home, I booked a workshop class with him for Friday June 4. I wish I could attend more, but I organize a huge charity event which takes place on the 5th that will be dominating most of my time.
Reader Comments (1)
Diana,
Thanks for this sweet review. I do remember meeting for the first time at my yoga class; you declared your intention to do yoga each day as you drive cross-country to Los Angeles. It's been wonderful to review your travel log. May you continue to manifest your dreams.
Namaste!
Cathy Lilly