Over the past few years I have tried to get into the practice of yoga (and for a while I had). Then came graduation and my trip to Israel and then my internship in Barcelona and then I was looking for a job and was never able to get back into it – especially thrown off by prices in Miami.

But if there is one thing I have learned from from my practice it’s that it is all about the NOW  – something I need to work on deeply. So, I have finally decided to stop putting my goals off for another day and start living in the now. I know if I practice I will find the peace, happiness and strength I have within.

Thanks to the ever handy MeetUp (read my post on it here) I have found the solution to my budget and a way to practice. On my search for groups that appealed to me, I came across the event called yoga under the sky – a class that takes place at South Pointe Park in South Beach every Saturday at sunset (and best of all it’s FREE). I figured what can be better than practicing outside of confined walls, a wonderful view and warm Miami weather. I was a bit reluctant to go on my own but I knew if I couldn’t push myself to do it alone, I would never do it at all (after all if I went across the world on my own, this would be a piece of cake). So I put on my work out clothes, got my mat and water bottle and was on my way to my first Yoga under the sky!

Now, for me it’s all about the little things and I’m definitely not about hyping up things that should not be hyped up but my experience was LIFE CHANGING. The instructor (Hilary) was absolutely wonderful and passionate about the whole thing and it made the experience truly rewarding. I left feeling so full, so enlightened, so thankful for life, and I cannot wait to go back.

For once, I was truly aware of my breathing and all the movements my body was going through – they all felt smooth and not at all forced. The best part was the sound of my breathing along with the waves and palm trees in the wind; the families playing and laughter intertwined with Hilary’s messages. I could even feel myself smiling and loving the experience as the sun and breeze brushed against my body. After meditation, I opened my eyes and knew I was in complete and total bliss. The blues and oranges and pinks of my surroundings blending like a magnificent watercolor painting – a little blurry, but nonetheless wonderful.

“Happiness is not a state to arrive at but a manner of traveling.” – Margaret Lee Runbeck

My friend Josy and I after Yoga