Let Light Heal You and Brighten Your Soul June 12 2015

By Mariana Palacios Vega 

New York City is known around the world for being the city that never sleeps; a congested, fast-paced city, where you have to keep up with the dynamic if you want to thrive. But with the 21st of June upon us and the Solstice nearing we have a chance to rethink our priorities and dedicate a day to clearing our minds, renewing our spirits and calming our souls. Who would have thought that, Time Square, located at the heart of New York’s frenzy could, for at least one day, become a quiet soothing place welcoming hundreds to join in the world’s biggest yoga session? And, why the 21st of June? For centuries around the globe this day, the longest of the year, in has been celebrated in different ways, by different cultures, with diverse traditions and joyful expectation. Despite variations, however, the celebrations always have positive connotations and frame the day as an opportunity reinvention and self-improvement. In Astronomy this is the day when the sun is in it’s highest position for the longest period of time. It happens on June 20/June 21/June 22 in the northern hemisphere and on December 21/December 22 in the southern hemisphere, at this moment the sun reaches its celestial longitude, 90 degrees. But no matter the cultural background it is undeniable that it is a magical moment, a gift from nature, and it would be shameful not to acknowledge it for everything it represents: the “ability to extend, like any plant or tree, to the Light” (Douglass Stewart)

The Time Square Alliance realized this 13 years ago and initiated the yoga practice as a fitting tradition, where partitioners lay their mats in the middle of the streets of Time Square offering a color-patched-ground filled with people from all around the world uniting their physical forms with their spiritual being, guided by expert Yogis. This year the event is even more special, since the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st the “International Day of Yoga”, which is why the 2015 celebration will play host to dignitaries from the UN and from the government of India. The organizers affirm that this is a “renewal of mind, body and spirit and a celebration of creative expression - of art, music and the sense of joyfulness and fun that the sunshine evokes in all of us”   

Mind over Madness Yoga is a free event, you just need to register on the Times Square official website. Unfortunately, all spots have currently been reserved, but you can check for openings that come up from cancellations and put your name down on the First-To-Know list. This way you will be informed of any opening. If regretfully no spots open up you can always participate in this spiritual journey via the free live webcasting that will be provided by MindBody Connect. Just go to TimeSquareNYC.org and be part of the Solstice celebration from anywhere in the world.

The Itinerary, which can be subject to change, is as follows:

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Lauren Imparato

11:15 am - 12:30 pm

Douglass Stewart

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Rajashree Choudhury, Donna Rubin, and Jennifer Lobo

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Mary Dana Abbott

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman Yee

Regardless of your attendance we strongly suggest that you search your soul and seize this opportunity to renew yourself with all the power of the sun.

“You cannot always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside”

Mr. Yoga

Namaste.