Peace through YOGA
The only disruption from the tranquility of the scene was the traffic on the nearby Route 202.
Still, the evening sun on the fields behind the farm offered a gorgeous view for the five mothers and daughters who found this to be just the right place to enjoy some relaxation and exercise. Birds chirped in a pleasant harmony with the traffic and soothing yoga music was played for the participants.
"It is a beautiful setting," said Toni Bentley, who came with daughters Milan, 10, and Taylor, 6.
Yoga instructor Elizabeth Cotter, who brought her 6-year-old daughter, Olivia, played relaxing music as she encouraged the mothers and daughters to stretch, breathe and savor the smells and sights of nature.
Starting back-to-back, the mothers and daughters moved their bodies in slow, rhythmic patterns, allowing the stretches to extend the lengths of their bodies. They were also pushed to focus on their breaths, inhaling and exhaling with purpose rather than at random.
As the hour-long session progressed, the mothers and daughters lunged, crawled and rolled back and forth, the yoga music reaching a crescendo as their movements become more bold. Cotter roamed the group to offer encouragement at each step.
"I think it's nice just to spend some alone time with my daughter and exercise," said Danielle Sheehan, who came with daughter Brooke, 7. "This is something healthy and fun to do."
Labels: exercise, tranquility, yoga