Local yogis came together Saturday for a day dedicated to downward dog, donations and community bonding.
The sixth annual Laramie Yoga Day, held at Blossom Yoga, encouraged donations to the Laramie Soup Kitchen in exchange for yoga.
Originally an international event, Vicky Peters, founder of Laramie Yoga Day, said she wanted the event to be localized, by supporting organizations like the Laramie Animal Shelter and the Laramie Soup Kitchen.
“I think it’s just a wonderful event because it not only supports the community in a tangible way, like giving money and donations, but it’s a day where anyone can come to the studio and take a class at the studio by donation or for free,” she said.
The event featured exclusive classes offered only on Yoga Day, including, beginner yoga, Spanish yoga, a downward dog workshop, peak pose play time, athlete yoga, core care, blues groove yoga and restorative aromatherapy.
Sweets Cakes and Pastries and the Big Hollow Food Co-op donated snacks for the yogis.
With around 30 people attending each class, Peters said some participants dedicated themselves to the entirety of the event, where as others enjoyed a class and a tasty cupcake.
“It’s an open day for a happy, healthy Laramie,” Peters said.
The meaning of yoga practice is a question with infinite answers, Peters said; however, she said it is ultimately a time of union to connect with oneself.
Amanda Wells, local Laramie nanny, said she developed an undying bond with her practice over a year and a half.
“One day I did it for almost two hours, and I felt so in tune with my body that I just kept repeating moves,” Wells said. “I just felt so flow with it all and that doesn’t happen every time.”
Normally she practices alone, but Wells said she was enticed by the community-wide, free event.
With chaotic schedules becoming a cultural norm in the 21st century, Peters said yoga is a way to unwind. She added it is a time to connect with oneself on a physical, mental or emotional level.
“I think it’s true that no matter how busy your day or schedule is you come to a class, be it rigorous or gentle and you leave with a grounding feeling,” she said. “That’s what life is about.”
Additionally, Infinite Balance Yoga offered discounted classes on Saturday as part of an open house, concluding with a community dinner. Classes included belly dancing, aerial yoga, kundalini yoga and chair massages, with fresh brewed tea offered in between activities.
Yogis ambled between studios, Lindsay Cullen, Infinite Balance Yoga owner, said, adding that it added to a community-wide vibe.
Additional open house events will be held throughout the year and Laramie Yoga Day will commence next year. Cullen and Peters encouraged people to take up the practice.
“There’s a quote that says, ‘No one regrets going to a yoga class,’” Peters said.
