Jivamukti Yoga

Jivamukti means “liberation while living.” We had the chance to experience a Jivamukti Yoga class with Alanna Kaivalya who flew in from New York to teach us here in Vegas. Jivamukti is a modern style of yoga that emerged in 1984 from one of New York City’s best-known yoga studios. Founders David Life and Sharon Gannon created a physically intense yoga class that incorporates elements of breathing, meditation, music and singing.

Alanna's class was amazing. We did Sun Salutations to "Under Pressure" by Queen and Warrior poses to "Freedom" by George Michael. Another George song, "Father Figure" played while we held headstands and shoulder stands, and the sound of Cyndi Lauper's "True Colours" kept us in wheel pose. Class ended with Alanna singing "Amazing Grace" while we were lying in relaxation. And it was just that...amazing!

The most powerful part was that we were asked to dedicate class to a variety of people: someone who made it possible for us to be there, someone we love, someone who inspires us, and even someone we didn't think deserved it. This made for some serious emotions, but I cried lucky, grateful, happy tears. If you've ever tried wheel pose (backbend on all fours), you may appreciate how difficult in can be while crying your eyes out!

Vancouverites, you're in luck. A Jivamukti Centre just opened up in Whistler. Check it out: http://lokawellnessandyoga.com/yoga/

If you try a class, let me know how it goes!

Yours in lucky, grateful, happy tears,

Harmony