As I mentioned before in Cave Girl, I work Monday through Friday on 100% commission in media ad sales, a super stressful, extremely competitive industry. Consequently, on the weekends (or even some weeknights) I’m on the look-out for new ways to de-stress.
Yoga has become a new ‘old way.‘ Full Moon Yoga with Gong Meditation that is. It’s my new go-to when the gym (Edge Fitness in Hamden) although helpful in terms of working up a sweat, building lean muscle, burning calories and fat, etc. still leaves me with a busy head…
At this point I’m looking more for something that helps me to relax to the point of emptying my mind and filling it with good clear thoughts.
My solution has become Full Moon Yoga with Gong Meditation. It’s offered once a month at the Yoga Community Center in Hamden, on the Friday closest to the Full Moon. It’s held from 7pm to 9pm. It’s wise not to go on a full stomach and light refreshments are served afterwards. It costs $22 for one session or $60 for three sessions. Everything takes place on the second floor in a large yellow walled yoga studio with soft lighting and relaxing music. Mats, blankets and other yoga equipment are provided if you do not have your own. Quick tip: don’t forget your water bottle. Kundalini Yoga is practiced in the first hour and the second hour (while you are now lying on your mat, covered in a blanket with your eyes closed) focuses on deep sound healing and relaxation via Gong Meditation. This is where you hear an actual gong being struck repeatedly for a good hour. The gong vibrations (after two or more sessions) will cause you to experience deep relaxation. The goal of each of these sessions is to “elevate awareness and rebalance your physical, emotional and spiritual bodies.” I remember the first or second time I went I felt like I was walking on actual clouds for at least an hour after the session (smile).
If interested, you may register online at yourcommunityyoga.com or call them at (203) 287-2277. Drop-Ins, however, are always welcome.
Namaste!