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Residents breathe, stretch for Day of Yoga

By Lana Bradstream 4 min read

Wednesday was not only the first day of summer, but was also the International Day of Yoga. Across Marshalltown, residents participated in yoga sessions in celebration of the day.

The longest day and shortest night of the year brought warm weather for participants as they calmed their minds and stretched into poses such as sun salutations.

Heidi Draisey, owner of Spirited Yoga & Wellness, was instrumental in bringing the all-day event to Marshalltown for the second year in a row. She said the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated since 2014, and the theme for this year was "One Earth, One Family, One Future."

"I think that reflects well in our community of Marshalltown," Draisey said, smiling. "They're even doing yoga at the U.N. today. That's really cool."

There was no charge for any of the sessions. Draisey called it "karma yoga," in which the yoga community can give back to towns. She said it is an opportunity for the positive energy of yoga to be transferred to Marshalltown and inspire residents to take care of themselves. When people engage in self-care, Draisey said they have more energy to spread elsewhere and be good stewards to families and neighborhoods.

"Everyone can experience yoga and we like to include different demographics, so everyone gets a chance to hop in," she said. "We think it's a unique opportunity."

Draisey started the event by leading an early morning class at West End Park.

"Let your light shine," she told the West End Park yogis at the end of the Sun Salutations Yoga session. "Feel your light grow brighter and stronger, filling up and surrounding all parts of you as you acknowledge your true power, wisdom and love. Give yourself permission to become one with the light. Let your light shine."

After the 13 participants rolled up their yoga mats, Draisey thanked them and prepared for a session of Chair Yoga at the Marshalltown Senior Citizens Center. She said the session was primarily introductory and a way for participants to get some good stretching. Following the senior citizens center, Draisey proceeded to the Marshalltown Public Library for Kids Storytime and Yoga.

"They [were] read some stories about yoga and moving their bodies, and I [did] some funny animal-themed yoga," she said.

Marshalltown resident Yesica Castellanos brought her daughter, Helena Napoles, 3, to the library for the session.

"Helena needs physical therapy and we were told to try yoga," Castellanos said. "I also enjoy bringing her to the library. There are a lot of activities for kids, and she loves to read."

Hilary Powell of River Blvd Yoga also led an International Day of Yoga session with a different focus.

"I know we both bring our own energy," Powell said. "Mine is more for the season. A lot of the science behind this is the seasons."

She has noticed an increase in the popularity of yoga and believes it stems from the desire to connect and be kind.

"Especially after the pandemic when we were all separated, and we were more mindful of ourselves," Powell said. "There are so many aspects of yoga -- the mindfulness, the meditation, the body awareness. It's accessible for everybody."

There are some people who have trouble calming their mind during yoga. So they think maybe yoga is not something they can connect with. Draisey said that is not unusual.

"It does take time," she said. "That spiritual connection, that meditation, the more practice you have, the more connection. It's very common in the beginning. We even have a word for it called 'monkey mind' -- where you feel like a monkey is playing around in your head. When you feel that and notice it, that is amazing because that is awareness. Now you can make a choice to do something about that. It's only a thought and a thought can be changed."

FREE UPCOMING YOGA SESSIONS

Draisey does recommend practicing yoga with a group outside of home. She said there are less distractions, and people become part of a community. Yoga In the Park with Heidi is held every Saturday through Aug. 19 at West End Park, 220 N. 13th St., from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Draisey teaches the sessions with Powell and Taylor Bear of Soul Magick. Marshalltown Parks & Rec is an event partner and provides the park space.

Participants are asked to:

Sign a waiver;

Bring a yoga mat or a beach towel. Powell said some people just use the grass;

Bring water, a sweat towel and optional straps or blocks;

Be at least 14 years of age. Children ages 10 to 13 can participate with a parent or guardian.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.

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