Several weeks ago I participated in Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Yoga on the Steps in Philadelphia, PA. Yoga on the Steps is a truly beautiful, awe-inspiring, and amazing event that brings the community together. Over one thousand yogis attend the event every year. It is breathtaking to witness a sea of people practicing yoga down the iconic cascading steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I have done the event several times and I always leave feeling uplifted.
For some reason, Yoga on the Steps always happens on a rainy and overcast day. This year was no exception. However, despite my stormy commute over to the event, I had a positive feeling that the clouds would part and the sun would come out just before the yoga class started. That exact same weather phenomenon had happened in the past and I had hunch that the powerful energy of over one thousand yogis would cast the storm away. Metaphorically and figuratively, we did stop the clouds from raining down on us during the hour long class.
Before… and After
When my mother was sick, I religiously went to yoga class five to six days a week. It allowed me quiet my mind, uplift my spirit, move gracefully through space and time, manifest positive thoughts, and cast away negative thoughts. I prayed every single day for my mother, my family, and myself. I felt so comforted and safe being surrounded by my friends, mentors, and complete strangers. We all collectively managed to come to the yoga studio to contort our bodies and minds in a multitude of positions for the common goal of healing ourselves. Knowing that I wasn’t alone helped me stay mentally and physically strong.
Yoga on the Steps reminded me of just how important yoga is. I am so glad that the event helps raise money for Living Beyond Breast Cancer, spread awareness about Breast Cancer, and help promote the benefits of yoga. In addition to all of Yoga on the Step’s amazing attributes, one of its best features is how it helps wishes and dreams come true. Every year, the event founder/yoga teacher, Jennifer Schelter, tells the class to set an intention and make a wish. So far, my wish has always come to fruition. This year, she asked us to walk up and down the steps while we made our wish and blessed others. The walking meditation was empowering and I hope that my wish comes true again (it’s a good one)!
Yoga on the Steps is happening in Washington D.C. on June 13th (this Thursday). If you weren’t able to make Philadelphia’s event and have the time and motivation to head down to D.C., CLICK HERE to learn more about the event and register.
