Friday, September 21, 2007

Spontaneous Yoga

Something spontaneous happened in our Yoga II class last night. The center is located at 9th and Edgemoor, surrounded by grass and trees, walking paths, tennis courts, a pool and a playground. The yoga room is at the end of a hallway next to the playground, and has floor-to-ceiling windows on two full sides. The blinds are partially lowered, but the glass goes all the way to the floor and we usually leave it open. Small children will sometimes peek in from outside, as the view into the room is about eye-level for them. They are not self-conscious about cupping their hands around their eyes, looking in, and watching our movements. I face the students and the windows; and will often wave at these youngsters (most wave back, a bit shyly....but they wave :).

Last night, a group of six or seven kids, around ages 4 -11 not only looked in.....they began to mimic our movements......so I went with it. I had all five students plus myself turn around, line up our mats, and face the windows.........and we had a yoga class for the kids. They stayed with us for 30 minutes! They did everything we did: knees to chest, cat/cow, spinal balance, mountain pose, tree, forward bends, on and on.....

It was so much fun.......and

what a lesson......

They smiled and they laughed, and they took turns acting silly. I could tell that they were exploring the postures, and they paid attention. It was freedom of movement - organic - unforced - a little rough, sure...but the joyous spirit was there....

We eventually lost their attention and they drifted off.....but they left this memory behind. The wonder and curiosity that children have is such a great reminder for us all.

Namaste,

Cindy

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

My Happy Place

Sunrise

Lost Bridge Village, Beaver Lake

Northwest Arkansas, USA

July 2007

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Balloon Crew

Labor Day Weekend:






Was able to get up very early to help crew for a hot air balloon ride:








Several misconceptions I had:




1. The balloon does not just inflate with hot air. There is a cold inflate first with a huge fan and then the burn takes over and lifts the fabric.





2. There is more than one propane tank.





3. The balloon does not rise straight up and then float with the wind. The pilot can drift almost motionless near the ground. The ride can last over an hour, gently rising and falling as the pilot brushes the tops of trees and then hovers near the ground again (wind conditions just right of course).













And then they were off!