Miami: Gentle Stretchy Yoga in the Sunshine State

TRAVEL

Dec 15

Ahhh! What a crazy experience after having done the Spartan Race in Florida this weekend! It was such a good challenge, but my muscles were extremely tight afterwards. I was so sore! But lucky me, I was able to find a yoga studio nearby, Dharma Studio! Thank goodness it was a gentle stretching yoga class, nothing to intense. It was just what I needed to push out some of that lactic build up in the muscles! I went to an evening class at 6 PM, room temperature was about 80 degrees, perfect before going to sleep. :)

Our instructor was so awesome, she helped us learn to sit properly so that we could engage the sacrum to ground ourselves into our yoga mats. It's the little things that make all the difference. I'd say my favorite stretches involved the opening of the hips and lower back. I was really sore in my legs as well. So getting to lengthen out the hamstrings and calves was quite painful but necessary.

Another good stretch was when we laid on our sides and rolled out our shoulders and chest. I had never done that before but it was one of the safest methods I had seen. I wish I could have taken a photo! I couldn't wait to try it on my own back home. That's the fun part about taking classes away from my normal routine. I get to take a little bit of information here and there and implement it into my own practice.

The yoga studio itself is quite inviting. It was very relaxing because of the dim setting. Out front a jeweler sells his craftwork, so many beautiful pieces to look at. Inside, they've got plenty of blocks, cushions, mats, and bands for stretching. On the walls, paintings by Karma Phuntsok adorn the studio. Karma was born in Lhasa but fled Tibet in 1959 after China took over. As a refugee, he followed the Dalai Lama into the Himalayas into exile. Karma received an education in Sikkim, schools for refugees. Having developed a love for drawing and painting, Karma decided to become an artist and studied in Nepal under a Tibetan master Thangka painter in 1973. After moving to Australia, he combined the Aboriginal and Tibetan tradition and influence in his artwork. I really enjoy when yoga studios add positive vibes with such amazing and creative works of art, it really does increase the good energy flowing throughout.

Definitely had a great experience and the warm Miami weather was a plus! I can't wait to visit again. If you're ever in the area, go to Dharma Studio.