An Unconventional Halloween

As a rule, I love all holidays. Every reason is a good reason to celebrate a day of life-- making Halloween a little complex, as a holiday centered around death and the various ways we escape it: candy, costumes, cocktails. But the roots of the holiday are so old, so beautiful: an opening of the door between the world we live in, and the world of the spirits. So I was especially excited when Lululemon proposed that we collaborate on an October 31st workshop.

When I moved to New York City last year, I didn't even dream that I would be teaching workshops with Lululemon in SoHo. It's such a dream come true-- not only to have the opportunity to hold space for our community of yogis, but also to have the freedom to explore yoga as a creative and introspective art, a way to slow the pace of city life and slip into a sacred space.

The girls at Lululemon work magic with their loft-- you would never believe that you're actually in SoHo, on Broadway, in a store of all places. Up on the third floor, the studio is in its own world, high above the streets of SoHo. And this Halloween, it was filled with candles, flowers, and yogis with their mats, notebooks, and meditative energy.

It was an incredible evening. Our workshop was titled Unmasking your Inner Spirit, and centered on the ideas of how we habitually wear "masks" in our daily lives at work, with friends, and even with lovers. Our writing, breathing meditation, and creative vinyasa flow were all directed towards the letting go of both internal and external constrictions on the fullness of our selves.

I am always inspired to see how people come to their mat and find themselves filling their notebooks with thoughts, plans, visions, intentions. But this night was truly special. There was a harmony within and between us all. No one wanted to leave! We stayed a while after class, and I taught how to use the Palo Santo (that Lululemon gave as one of our Treats) for smudging to cleanse energy. The smoky smell, the hundred candles, and the conscious breathing was spellbinding.

Writing this with much gratitude for everyone who joined me last night! Hope you're enjoying the handmade chocolates, filling up your new notebook, and feeling deeply connected with your inner life.

xo

m.