Outdoor yoga coincides with coming of fall
The official first day of fall this year is Sept. 23—at exactly 2:50 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time in the Northern Hemisphere.
During an equinox, the sun crosses what is called the “celestial equator”—an imaginary extension of Earth’s equator line into space, according to Almanac.com The equinox occurs precisely when the sun’s center passes through this line. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun crosses the equator going from north to south, this marks the autumnal equinox, states the site.
The autumnal equinox is a popular time for yoga enthusiasts to head outside to practice yoga while also celebrating the fall season.
Several local yoga studios, instructors and outdoor venues are joining forces to put on special events as fall kicks off. Here are a few:
Autumn Equinox: Restorative Yoga, Reki and Sound Bath
An evening of yoga and sound is planned to celebrate the autumnal equinox is scheduled for 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Vista Yoga, 2836 Lavista Road, Suite D, Decatur. Cost $55 in advance, $65 day of event. For more details, go to vistayoga.com.
Summers Wind Down: Autumn Equinox Sound Experience
Described as “A sound healing experience to raise your vibration and celebrate the incoming season.” Involves light movement and breathwork as well as sound bowls and various healing instruments. “Sound Healing helps activate the body’s natural healing system for deep restorative healing on a cellular and emotional level,” according to the event’s website. “The harmonizing effect produced by the sound creates a soothing effect throughout the entire body.” Takes place 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Yellow River Park, 3232 Juhan Road SW, Stone Mountain. Cost $11.11-$15. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.com.
Full Moon Gathering
In celebration of September’s Harvest Moon, Highland Yoga Decatur is holding a Full Moon Gathering 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 29. “We will work through a gentle warm up with intention setting, followed by meditative moon salutations,” states the studio’s website. “An optional group chant will transition us into some mindful journaling prompts, plus a restorative cool down, gentle nidra, and sound bowls will close this practice as we seal in the beauty and vibration of our experience.” The studio is located at 450 N. McDonough St. Go to highland-yoga.com and search for the event for more details.
Yoga in the Park
Dunwoody Nature Center is the site for Yoga in the Park from 7 to 8 p.m. time on Sept. 23. “Join us for a peaceful full body flow under the canopy of trees right at sunset at the Dunwoody Nature Center! Yoga instructor Jesse Hughes will lead you through an hourlong mind and body experience sure to leave your mind and body feeling flexible, energized, and relaxed.” The center is located at 5343 Roberts Drive. Cost is $12. For more information, go to dunwoodynature.org.
Yoga and Beer
Three Taverns Imaginarium is home to a beer and yoga event that takes place under a “covered patio every 4th Sunday of the month. This month it occurs on Sept. 24. Cost is $15 and includes yoga class and first beverage plus two hours free parking.
This 60-minute all-levels class begins at noon. “Please bring your mat, a towel, and some water!” states a website promoting the event. This class will be held under the Imaginarium’s covered patio area. Three Taverns Imaginarium is located at 777 Memorial Drive SE, Suite B103, Atlanta.
