by Jeanna Lurie, E-RPYT, Program Manager The Monday Mom & Toddler Yoga Class celebrated the recent solar eclipse by taking our practice outside to Bol Park! I had no idea what to expect- from the eclipse or from the kids who are not used to practicing outside- but it was worth taking a chance for this rare celestial experience. We gathered on the grass before class with our special glasses and pinhole viewers. I was more interested in just being outside and seeing how the partial eclipse would affect the daylight and the shadows- until I put on my glasses to look directly at the sun! Then I couldn't get enough of checking every few minutes to see how it changed. I also discovered that putting the glasses over my phone camera lens allowed me to get some cool pictures. |
The peak of the eclipse occurred just a few minutes before our class was scheduled to start. As it waned, we gathered on our mats and began our practice just as we do indoors: check-ins, a short meditation, moving into our warm up. It didn't seem too much darker during the peak of the eclipse, but as the sun peaked out, it got quite a bit warmer and we all decided to shift into the shade for the remainder of our practice. I was a little worried that without walls the kids would run away or be totally distracted by the beckoning play structure. On the contrary, they seemed to be more involved in the practice than normal. Not sure if it was the magic of the eclipse or simply the magic of being outdoors, but it was glorious! The next time there is a solar eclipse visible from Northern California, the kids from class will be old enough to come with their own children. Until then, we will need to find a different reason to practice outside- it was worth every minute! How did you celebrate the eclipse? Share in the comments below! |