Bringing Yoga to Wedding Professionals

The folks at Gowanus Hospitality Group opened the doors of 501 Union this week for event professionals to meet, learn, co-work and be creative. They’re calling it Love Union. Each day started with a yoga or fitness class – and ended with some happy Happy Hour and workshop or movie. I was asked to lead a yoga class this morning and wanted to do something that mixed the Wedding Yoga and Zen Bride workshop that I offer my couples.

Since I was unsure about the number of participants I created a class inspired by fun love songs. We wound up being a small, yet mighty group of 4. I incorporated a mix of hatha yoga with some partner poses, leading into a ritual that would allow the participants to celebrate current successes and make their desires actionable. We danced with our eyes closed to Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” Which turned into a little dance party and partnered utkatasana/chair pose. With some quieter guitar music we did a freewrite exercise to brainstorm things we are grateful for, things we want to celebrate and lastly desires for our business. Once we cleaned and edited the text that would be used in the ritual later in the class, we put down our paper and pens in order to get back into our bodies. To the Dixie Chicks, we did a variation on Sun Salutations and by the time En Vogue and C+C Music Factory grooved, we were moving through Warrior poses, Triangle and Ardha Chandrasana/Half Moon. When we needed a little break from the physical, I placed a tea light by each of the women and in turn they each shared their gratitudes, celebrations and desires.

We ended with the sounds of Bobby McFerrin and little meditation from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh that would hopefully keep them motivated and able to deal with the distractions of a co-working space.

“Breathing mindfully and becoming aware of your responses to people and events around you is a deep practice. Instead of reacting, instead of even thinking, you will allow yourself to just be. You practice mindfulness to be with your breath, your steps, the trees, the flowers, the blue sky, and the sunshine.

Practicing in this way, when you are out and about and you hear a car honking or people shouting, or you see a sight that isn't pleasant, you are able to respond with compassion. Facing any kind of provocation, you are able to keep your noble silence alive and maintain your poise and peacefulness.”

It was an honor and pleasure to be included. And it's always lovely to start the day with some yoga. Here’s to laughter, breath,  and most of all community!