Yoga Rocks the Park!

Yogis gathered at Liberty Station’s Ingram Plaza in San Diego, on Sunday, July 21st, 2014, for a traveling yoga event called, Yoga Rocks the Park. The event encouraged the magical practices of outdoor yoga, and play for all levels. The day’s events included a 75 minute yoga class for kids and adults, live music by Avasa and Matty Love, and a wellness vendor village supporting local businesses.

Ten percent of the profits go to The Give Back Yoga Foundation and The Sean O’Shea Foundation, empowering youth through yoga, nutrition and optimistic teachings, and The Yes for Yoga Society of San Diego, which is dedicated to providing S.D. residents affordable yoga and promoting S.D. yoga studios and instructors. The collective mission of Yoga Rocks the Park, is to cultivate peace and wellness in the community across the U.S. and it is sponsored by integral partners, both nationally and locally.

Yoga Rocks the Park takes place during the summer and travels across the U.S. presenting sometimes 300-400 yoga events.  The first event took place in Boulder Colorado seven years ago. Erik Vienneau, founder and CEO of YRP, and a group of friends, gathered at a local park in Denver in order to practice yoga under the open skies. At the first event, they hung prayer flags on the trees and practiced yoga with live drums. Erik and his friends originally collected donations for non-profit local organization. They now have more than 20 event directors in cities throughout the U.S.

The San Diego yoga experience on Sunday was taught by a local Yoga Six instructor, Katie Brauer. It was a non-traditional yoga experience with the opportunity to connect with others at the event. At the beginning of the class, Katie spoke of her experiences traveling, as a native Australian, and how she practiced an exercise that encouraged connection with others while traveling on a plane. She asked a neighbor to describe their lives, in three minutes, including highlights that they find worthy of sharing, both success and/or hardships. The process was a profound opportunity in order to connect and to build empathy for others without being judgmental.

The same exercise was practiced by the yogis in attendance. The event brought strangers together in a matter of minutes, creating almost instant connections with others and potential future friendships. While in the 75 minute class, practitioners connected and even held hands with strangers, while dancing, skipping, and practicing sun salutations and postures. Next Generation Yoga, a kid's yoga company, hosted a 75 minute yoga class, so that everyone was able to partake in the experience, both adults and children. The event was both memorable and fun.

Yoga Rocks the Park also hosts a Friday night event called, Friday Night Yoga Club and Yoga with Live Music. For more information on Yoga Rocks the Park, visit their website, www.yogarocksthepark.com or email them directly at hello@openskyeventmarketing.com.

By Christi Iacono, owner of In Rhythms Yoga

Christi Iacono is a certified yoga teacher, at the 500 hour level, and she is the owner of In Rhythms Yoga, in Clairemont. IRY is a small neighborhood studio in Clairemont, S.D., located in the Mounts streets. Christi has experienced many positive physical and mental transformations from her regular yoga practice. She enjoys sharing her experience, passion, and dedication with her students. She believes that yoga is accessible to all. Rather than forcing someone’s body into a pose, Christi carefully works with each individual to find the variation that will best serve their body. Contact christi@inrhythmsyoga.com for more info.

IRY offers regularly scheduled classes on, Sat., Sun. and Wed. mornings as well as a Tues. evening class. Go to www.inrhythmsyoga.com to see the full schedule, instructors and for private lessons.