Yoga in the Great Rain

Last night I went with my friend Amanda to be a part of Yoga on the Great Lawn in Central Park. The goal was 10,000 people, and though I’m not quite sure we reached that – we were still told that we acheived the world record for the largest registered Yoga class to ever take place. Except it didn’t really take place.

We spent 2 hours building our excitement – from waiting on line to getting settled into shockingly organized rows of our new,free mats to having the chance to do some serious people watching. What a diverse group of New Yorkers all in one place. As our anticipation grew, there was no denying that we were in the perfect spot to celebrate the start of summer.

But just as the class was about to get underway, the clouds rolled in and the rain began. Sure some left right away, but most just took out umbrellas (luckily I toted a poncho as well) and got ready to OM the night away. But because it’s (understandably) a safety risk (and apparently illegal) to conduct class in the rain, the instructor could only take us through a few plank poses, a downward dog or two, some long, grateful stretches to the sky, and a namaste before they had to send us home. Total bummer.

So you might wonder why I’d bother writing about an event that never came to pass. Well the truth is, it did. If you look beyond the marketing aspect to our free goodies, beyond the sounds of the news helicopters above threatening to take away our zen, and beyond the rain – what you found was a peaceful and accepting New York that I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed before.

No one was angry or shouting about the weather, or the decision to cancel the class. Everyone made their exits gracefully with smiles, no pushing ahead or signs of aggravation about the slow crawl towards 5th Avenue. Some even stayed behind, reveling in the opportunity to continue their own Yoga practice alone or with friends.

My favorite moment was hearing a long, echoing “OM” as we approached a tunnel, which of course we promptly joined in chanting as soon as we entered – connecting us to all of the people with us in that moment, as well as all of those who had passed through before and who still had yet to encounter it.

The serenity of our group became more apparent as we spilled out onto the streets of the Upper East Side. The light summer rain became a downpour, but we persevered in much the same manner towards the subways – in great contrast to the observers on the street who were far less pleased by the shift in the weather. And who couldn’t seem to fathom what would be making us all so happy.

Yes Yoga on the Great Lawn was supposed to be the biggest Yoga class ever. But it turns out it wasn’t really about that in the end. It was about connection, the true core of any Yoga practice. Last night I felt immensely connected to an immensely large group of strangers. AND I got to reconnect with my friend Amanda, whom I haven’t seen in quite some time.

This feeling continued with me into the morning, as I decided to skip checking email and opted instead for a long walk through Prospect Park. I smiled at everyone I passed, soaked in the beautiful sun, laughed at the relationships being forged from dog to dog and owner to owner, and didn’t mind slowing down a bit behind those on the sidewalk as I turned for home who were too focused on their smart phones to notice me.

I realized that this is ultimately what Yoga has given me. A chance to slow down. To connect. To find peace in this city that never sleeps.

One of my clients has been practicing Yoga on a regular basis since the start of his program. Each time we talk he tells me what an incredible impact it’s having on his stress levels, and especially on his ability to cope with the pressures of his work day. It’s been a pleasure to be his cheerleader as he builds his routine into his lifestyle.

Last night made me wonder what would happen to NYC, or even the world, if we all practiced just a little bit more Yoga.

So you think a BOOT CAMP will develop your creativity?

So you think a BOOT CAMP will develop your creativity, sensitivity, sensory awareness and subtle energy presence on stage?

I happen to think that actors need the exact opposite: gentle, positive, relaxing, nurturing of your instrument; and a mind, body, spirit connection. You ARE after all, the work of art.

So, let’s say you are a musician; would you send your Steinway or Stradivarius to a boot camp for tuning? Would you want the tuner of your instrument to bang on the keys violently or to use force when repairing your delicate instrument? Of course not! You’d want them to take good care of it and be gentle, respectful, loving so they tune it to its highest potential. It’s time to do the same with your instrument-self.

Use self-love, self-appreciation, and self-esteem development techniques…Tune and clear your body and mind gently, lovingly. Use yoga, stretching, visualizations and energy relaxation exercises. Enfold your emotional range with safety and stress relief techniques. Learn the anatomy of your emotional and energy system to better manage the highs and the lows. Discover ways to recuperate your strength your energy and your power. Use proper nutrition and physical care. Choose a physical activity you enjoy. Give yourself time to play, read and rest. Reclaim your creative self, reclaim your Artist within.

In order to reclaim your highest creative spirit, your approach must be loving, caring, and appreciative. You must be indulgent and understanding. You must listen to your selves, to the voices within. You need to take the time and allow the space for your inner artist to enfold his wings. You need to listen within, and to care.

Each of you, artist, is unique, precious and fragile too. Like flowers, sunsets or rainbows, you illuminate when you perform, yet your works of art are always changing and ephemeral.

You are a living work of art. Your training must take this into consideration and treat you like one.

FMI about how to use these self-development techniques on your own, read my book A BALANCING ACT and visit http://www.starlightacting.org
or contact me; energize@starlightacting.org

Emmanuelle Chaulet is an acting coach, director of Starlight Acting Institute, adjunct faculty at the University of Southern Maine department of Theatre, Fulbright Scholar, international actress, Energy awareness counselor, ENERGIZE, RYSE III and REIKI practitioner and in Who’s Who in America since 2007. She has developed a unique acting method incorporating energy development techniques in the training: ENERGIZE, outlined in the book A BALANCING ACT (Starlight Acting Books 2008)

Snack Attack

Courtesty of Elana's Pantry on Flickr

There’s no denying that everyone, at one time or another, has had a snack attack. Views on snacking differ. Some of us feel that snacking is bad and that eating between meals leads to weight gain. Others believe that eating many small meals and snacks throughout the day is healthy for maintaining energy levels and optimal weight. If there were one way of snacking that was right for everyone, we would all be doing it!

To alleviate snack attack guilt, try to understand why you are snacking and what snacks work best for your body. Perhaps you snack because your daily diet is missing nutrition, or because you are eating too little at meals. You might be snacking to soothe jangled nerves when you are emotional, or to entertain yourself when you are bored. Whatever your reason, acknowledge it and start thinking about how to create a life that is nourishing and truly satisfying.

Although snacks are no substitute for loving your life, they can be great energy boosters. Many convenient snack foods are highly processed and full of chemicals, additives, damaging fats and refined sugars. When a snack attack hits you, try foods that are filling and satisfying, but also nutritious. Snack on things that don’t come in a plastic wrapper or a box, like fresh fruit, leftover vegetables or rice cakes with almond butter and fruit spread. Make your own signature trail mix, organic hot chocolate made with almond milk sweetened with agave nectar, or blue corn chips with hummus.

You can also try “upgrading”. If you are craving something crunchy, upgrade from potato chips to raw carrots, apples or whole grain crackers; if you are craving a candy bar, upgrade to a handful of nuts and dried fruit; instead of a cup of coffee, upgrade to green tea; instead of ice cream, upgrade to applesauce with cinnamon. Upgraded snacks are high in nutrition and give you a greater sense of satiety and satisfaction; you won’t feel physically or psychologically deprived, and you’ll have plenty of energy to sustain your activities for hours.

Snacking is enjoyable and there is a wide variety of healthful goodies for whatever you’re craving, be it sweet, crunchy, salty, creamy or spicy. Dive in, be creative and enjoy your snack attack.