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

[Great Aunt Astri]

This reminds me of my Yoga days, held in an empty hall. But your wonderful poem portrays a much serener scene. And it touched ones emotions and senses so well. Those asamas certainly get the blood flowing, and of course the energy! But I am not familiar with 'Namaste'. I shall have to look it up. Good for you for writing this beautiful poem.

[Mrudula Rani]

Thank you for sharing your yoga experiences. If you remember one of the breathtaking techniques they teach in yoga class actually helps anxiety and thought control. You could use it to stop Niggling thoughts. Astri.

[Great Aunt Astri]

Will do .... thanks xxxxxx

[Jimmy Yetts]

You make these classes sound attractive and extremely beneficial.
Will have to give yoga a second look.
Excellent piece of work, M!

[Mrudula Rani]

I would love it, if you consider doing yoga ( I can't wait to see you write yoga inspired poetry) thank you JY.

[¿]

My miracle of life was yoga...transformed me from 60 to 54!!
A joy feels while performing it...and daily if done...miraculously does effects in our body and inner soul...am just a fan of it since I've performed my first few asanas like...bajrasan, padmasan, and the relaxing shavasan!
And I watch Dr.Naram's Yoga For You at Zee tv early morning...that's really soothing.....thanks for sharing your yoga experience☺

[Mrudula Rani]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with yoga. I am an addict of yoga. I agree with you , that yoga really transforms mind and body for the better.

[¿]

Indeed! You're welcome😊

[Chris Shaw]

I have never tried yoga M, but your beautiful poem is almost telling me that it is time for me to try it. You took me into your yoga class and I sat observing you and your fellow class mates, watching all the movements, watching your breathing and lapping up the wonderful ambience. Those incense sticks, mmmm sending me into an almost trance like state. Ommm ringing through my ears. I am feeling pretty relaxed right now, I can tell you. Great reading.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

I like your profile picture Chris. You look as beautiful as I have imagined from reading your poems. Thank you for experiencing my yoga class. I hope You give yoga a try. Thanks.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you M. Seriously considering some yoga.

[emmajoy]

You've gently added so many nods to how the class takes place start to finish.. to the background, the atmosphere, the movements and scent. You've written very calmly... no rushing, no jolts to the reader's own feeling. I'm amazed that more people haven't paused and felt what you obviously feel when you take part of a shared and focussed period yet focus on your inner self. Beautiful stillness leaving with me as i slide off and away. '.. For over an hour it will be our private world, body and mind on a mission.'

[Mrudula Rani]

Thank you dear Emmajoy, for your delightful comments. You made my day.

[emmajoy]

I remember classes not too different.. yet with less significance. Sadly they took place in a crowded building with too much movement and echoing noise to shut out. Could be tiring and time consuming to reach the state needed. But.. even now, certain elements gently slide home when i need them.

Off to yet another lot of cooking - my calm's now on the stir! Namaste..

[Mrudula Rani]

There are quite a few schools of yoga came up here. I picked the one that suited my hours. There are about 12 same students in our class for the last few years. And the instructor is very experienced and often she goes to India and spends time with yogis there.

[emmajoy]

How very fortunate you are, the class reads near enough perfect for you, everyone else attending, plus - the instructor obviously bathes self in perhaps newer or deeper facets by going back and forth to India.