Photos and story by Karly Cordell / Contributing Writer
21st June marks the International Day of Yoga where fans of yoga all come together to celebrate the activity. If you’re not a fan of yoga this year then don’t worry, there’s always time to get involved and celebrate the event next year! Of course, choosing a style of yoga can take a while as you have to try each style out and find which you enjoy the most but it’s well worth it in the end. All styles of yoga are massively beneficial to your body’s fitness and your mental health which is why so many love it.
Hundreds gathered in Cumberland Park in Nashville on Thursday to celebrate Music City’s International Day of Yoga, hosted by Small World Yoga, Nashville’s first nonprofit yoga studio.
The free, family-friendly event welcomed yoga lovers of all levels to the park for a group session of peaceful yoga and meditation. There was even talks on how to become a yoga teacher, with the opportunity to train in Bali!
Local bands added to the event by playing live, relaxing music in the background.
The one-hour yoga practice was led by Small World Yoga teachers Janaye Williams, Annie Diomedes, David Swink and Sara Bradley, as well as Chris Byford as the event’s MC.
Multiple food trucks and local vendors, such as Young Living Essential Oils and the Nashville Public Library, set up along the park’s sidewalk, making food and local shopping available to participants.
Michelle Walker, a first-time participant in the Music City International Day of Yoga gathering, had nothing but good things to say about the event.
“I love doing yoga at home, but I have never participated in a group session as large as this one,” Walker said. “It was an amazing experience, and I truly felt connected with each and every person here today. It’s nice to be surrounded by others with a common passion and interest.”
Following the yoga session, attendees participated in a raffle that consisted of various yoga-related prizes such as a free month of yoga at Small World Yoga, Young Living essential oils, fitness gift bags, T-shirts and water bottles.
Small World Yoga is currently offering $5 yoga classes at its new studio located on 17th Avenue South.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Sydney Wagner, email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
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