My yoga class

21st of June international day of yoga.

Soft light from the lamps at the alter tries filling the hall,
fails in reaching the corners of the huge expanse
Onto the polished ground in pools they fall.
My yoga class sits still and silent with an inward glance,

Before beginning the asanas, sitting in lotus position,
we say prayer; the mantra in unison as one voice.
The sound of Om, like a single stroke of bell, loud, solid in rendition,
suspends for a moment, fills the space, turns into a whisper and trails.

Smoke from the incense sticks rises in thin wispy emissions,
mild smell of cloves and exotic flowers fill the room in details.
In the backyard trees, a family of Bem-ti-vis, with enthusiasm greet,
For over an hour it will be our private world, body and mind on a mission.

Breathing in and out to a count of numbers, we expell angst,
bend like bow, downward dog, and stretch like snake,
camel, table. stand like warrior, tree, with balance, still and straight.
The instructor, gentle yet firm, step by step leads us to the mark.

A marvellous sensation envelopes as my body twists and bends,
Our boosted confidence assures physically coming awake
we treat each other gentle and tender at the practices' end
After collective moments of serenity and strength, a prayer, leave we take.

As we bid good day, wishing all well, with hope of meeting soon,
to perceive goals of health and good will, everyone
says Namaste!

Author's Note

Asana is a yoga postures that is steady and comfortable. Asanas are are aimed towards attaining strength, balance and flexibility.

Reviews

[Riddhi]

I also love doing yoga and actually it gives immense pleasure to your body
as well as your soul...It actually helps in keeping my body as well as mind healthy..Since I am an Indian its actually the most common thing that we do here to keep our mind and soul healthy...I loved the way you expressed it..
Keep on writing..

[Mrudula Rani]

Yoga is a wonderful discipline. I does give a lot of euphoric feeling. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[KCthelastboyscout]

I seriously need this type of yoga.maybe the benefits of it would change me for the better.at this point I'll try anything

[Relic]

I have done yoga and I know I've benefitted from it in the past. For the last three days, I've been contemplating starting again. I could use it.

[Mrudula Rani]

I knew that there is something very Zen about you. It will be very easy for you to get back into asanas once more if you start yoga now.
You are putting all sorts interesting pictures on your profile.... I am actually waiting to see your own picture very much.

[Gee]

Good afternoon. Was thinking of having a bash at yoga myself, sit down with my legs crossed and hum for an hour or so. Do you reckon they'd play some Dean Martin songs if asked, I like to hum along when he's singing. Or Frank Sinatra, Buble, something along those lines....
Mexico next Mrudula, any predictions.....hope you are well :))

[Mrudula Rani]

Hi Sweetheart, Messi and Cristiano went home ....if Brasil plays like Uruguai or France we have a chance ... One can only hope. Let's not hope for too much.
About yoga, after a few asanas you can play any music you want if you can get your gorgeous lady( I love this profile picture. Gee. you two look absolutely lovely) interested in doing yoga with you.

[Gee]

Just back from 90 mins exercise, trying to shake off a hangover :(
Everybody always tells me I ruin a good picture, hate having my photo taken. This is one of the better ones and unusual in the fact I'm not dressed like a tramp :))

[Mrudula Rani]

You always look wonderfully handsome, with that generous attitude and naughty nature you are a favorite of mine.

[Gee]

Blushing......

[Paul Bell]

I was watching a yoga class on the telly.
Now for some reason, I always thought yoga was all about gentle exercise.
But the sweat was pouring out of them.
I don't know if this was extreme yoga.
But it did get my interest up.

[Mrudula Rani]

You were probably watching Ashtanga yoga. There are several groups of asanas for different purposes... I practice yoga to strengthen core muscles so I hold an asana for a longer period of time possible. You do sweat a little... but the sensation you get afterwards is very relaxing. Any plans for a yoga class?

[Paul Bell]

Was actually thinking about it. Usually just do running and weights. Maybe time for a change.

[Mrudula Rani]

Yoga will bring Positive Changes and will give wonderful results.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

this is beautiful, thanks for entering this into my other hobby competition. its beautifully penned and it took me to your special yoga place peace exhuded from this poem. I really like this, thanks again i did a few yoga classes back in 1974 in year 10 a long time ago, wish id kept going now thanks i like this a lot

[Mrudula Rani]

Thank you for your wonderful thoughts. I am very happy to know that you did yoga... it is only a matter of starting once more and in no time you will step back into those asanas easily. Hope you do find time once more for yoga.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

im 59 and a half and not that fit but i suppose maybe not sure yet

[Mrudula Rani]

You are never too old to start yoga ( 59 is not old. They say life starts at 50 ( in the 21century) uma abraço ( a hug).

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

thanks thanks thanks

[Neville]

You have successfully managed to craft something really quite exquisite here my friend Mrudula.. you capture the true feel of a yoga class and incorporate several forms and postures whilst hinting at some of the many benefits it can afford regardless of age, gender, race or creed... I sincerely hope you will inspire much interest and hopefully encourage others to give this gentle art the attention it deserves.....Neville

[Mrudula Rani]

Thank you dear Neville for your wonderful words. The benefits of yoga are marvellous and I really would like people to try and find out the pleasure of this discipline.

[Neville]

I hope so too.. N

[Coyote Poetry]

Yoga. A peaceful exercise lead us to feeling better.
"A marvellous sensation envelopes as my body twists and bends,
Our boosted confidence assures physically coming awake
we treat each other gentle and tender at the practices' end
After collective moments of serenity and strength, a prayer, leave we take."
I like the above lines. Described the goal of yoga well. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Mrudula Rani]

Thank you for reading and for your encouraging words, John.

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure and you are welcome.

[Cherrie]

I am new to yoga. I've developed some arthritis and yoga keeps me limber. Your poem will encourage others to give it a try.

[Mrudula Rani]

The nice thing about yoga is that you can customize it to suit your needs. Iam glad yoga is keeping you limber. Thank you for sharing your experiences. All the best.

[Cherrie]

I'm not big on medicine. So I let niacin and yoga keep me moving

[barleygirl]

You might be the only person in the world who can stretch this luxuriously! You’ve stretched out the course of a yoga class longer than many poets spend on a whole love affair! I love the way you bring in all the senses, spending a creative stanza on each aspect of the experience. I love the way you show us the class ritual, as well as the connection of humanity that bursts forth from your meditations together! You have carried delightful details to the moon and back! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Mrudula Rani]

Iam hooked on yoga, Margie Querida. Before that we used to go for walks early in the morning at the beach but that only made me tired by afternoon. With yoga I feel like I have more energy. Thank you for your lovely review. Your reviews give my writings a beautiful picture. Um beijo.

[barleygirl]

I love hearing your enthusiasm!