A Yogi Grows In Brooklyn

I recently held a class called Glow-ga, a yoga experience that focuses on your six senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste) and the sixth sense of perception, intuition and insight. Yoga is often about drawing your senses inward, but this class focuses on awakening the senses.

Sight is stimulated by the use of glow-bands at ankles and wrists to cue alignment, but also heighten the visual experience in the class setting. Hearing is engaged by the use of gentle music (nature sounds, drums) as well as the yogi’s connection with the sound of the instructor’s cue for changes in yoga sequence. Touch is stimulated by the feeling of palms and feet on the mat, as well as eye-pillows placed on the brow during resting poses to release tension and support relaxation. Smell is awakened by the scent of lavender and euculyptis from an aromatic candle. The sixth sense, Insight, is cultivated throughout the entire experience, by staying connected with breathing and meditation throughout the class. Finally, taste is stimulated by a small treat of a sweet & savory ginger candy at the end of the class; the perfect taste to close off your sensory journey.

Try adding some (or all) of these experiences to your next practice.

Om, Shanti.