In Rhythms Yoga: International Yoga Day

Practice yoga asana in honor of the first ever International Yoga Day, recognized yesterday, June 21st, 2015.

There were many opportunities to practice yoga yesterday in a group setting, some of them outdoors and all around the world. The largest class as noted in the Guinness World Records was in New Delhi, India with 35,985 people. San Diego had outdoor opportunities like the International Yoga Day of Union and Yoga Rocks the Park.

Whether you were able to practice in an outdoor group setting, in a class or alone, practicing yoga allows us to practice so much more than a series of postures, or asanas. If we look at the roots of yoga, we see that the 8 Limbs of Yoga, as written by Patanjali, gives us a “roadmap” to follow towards right living and towards living in peace and harmony with our surroundings and environment.

While Asana, the physical postures, listed as number three on the 8 Limbs of Yoga, included is the practice of the Yamas, the Niyamas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. The Yamas and the Niyamas could be described as “contracts” or “vows” towards the universe (yamas), and “contracts” or “vows” with the self (niyamas) towards living more compassionately and in peace. The last five limbs guide us to practice breathing techniques, pranayama; sense-withdrawal, pratyahara; one-minded focus and concentration, dharana; meditation, dhyana; and eventually experiencing one with “the divine” and a moment or moments of complete bliss towards enlightenment, Samadhi.


In recognizing these steps towards living more “right” with our environment, we come back to the roots of yoga and its’ foundational premise and inception. Many come to practice yoga for the physical benefits and mental release of stress and suffering, but soon recognize the power it has on the central nervous system. Devoting oneself to the above path, encourages a more relaxed state and ability to make conscious decisions and actions rather than reactions towards the surrounding environment.

We have all been in a situation while driving in traffic, when another driver cuts us off and we immediately get angry and want to take vengeance by honking, and using inappropriate hand gestures and yelling obscenities. Putting into practice the above qualities on a daily basis, may potentially put us in a better place to handle those types of situations. In short and simplified, we allow ourselves to stay calm and at peace when challenging situations arrive because of a daily practice of the above concepts.

Yoga can how a powerful affect on the body and mind. Regular practice has been known to have positive effects on all aspects of our lives, including our relationship with food, others and our environment. There is certainly a powerful and tangible force of healing and towards more “sustainable joy” experienced by a person that dedicates and implements a daily routine including a meditation and yoga practice.

The ancient tradition has been practiced for over 5,000 years and it seems to be growing more momentum in our society and on an international level. It is quite fascinating how practicing compassion and “rightful” living with the self, can have exponential effects towards how we live our lives and treat others. I invite you to give yoga a try today. Yoga is for everyone and can have a major impact on and in your life.

Check with your doctor before performing any form of exercise including yoga and breathing techniques. Always honor your body. If a posture gives you pain, gently come out.

Namaste,
Christi Iacono, 500 hr. cert. yoga instructor and owner of In Rhythms Yoga

Christi Iacono is a 500 hour certified yoga instructor, kids yoga instructor, and owner of In Rhythms Yoga. IRY is a small neighborhood studio in Clairemont, S.D., located in the Mount Streets. She guides adults, kids and families in the ancient tradition of yoga. Christi has experienced many positive physical and mental transformations from her daily personal practice. She is passionate about sharing her experience, inspiration, and dedication with her students. She is committed to being a life-long student and teacher of the practice. Christi carefully works with each student in order to find the variation that best serves their body. Work to find the balance of effort and ease in every posture, “sthira sukham asanam.” Yoga is accessible to all.

*IRY offers regularly scheduled vinyasa and yin-based classes on, Sat., Sun. (Yin-Yoga) and Wed. mornings as well as Tues. and Thurs. evening classes.

*Christi teaches adult, family, kids yoga and private lessons. Contact her for more info. on how to share the benefits of yoga to your kids and family.

*Join us for a Tae Clothing trunk show on Friday, July 3rd, at 3:30 pm. Tae Clothing is a small, growing  business that sells quality and unique athletic leggings, shorts and tank tops.

*Christi uses Young Living Oils at the studio to enhance yoga class, meditation and for a more natural and healthy environment for her family and in the studio.  Visit http://www.apothecarysociety.com/ciacono to learn more.
*Go to www.inrhythmsyoga.com to see the full yoga schedule, instructors and for private lessons.