If you’ve been looking for a good excuse to take up yoga, you might check out Hidden Dragon Yoga on Saturday for a kick-asana experience.
The American Lung Association (ALA) is teaming up with Hidden Dragon for “Breathe In, Help Out,” which aims to combat lung disease and other associated issues through the practice of yoga.
“Rarely do people stop to consider the role our lungs play in our daily lives,” said Jenny Brown, health promotions coordinator for the Plains-Gulf region of the ALA. “Yoga has such a connection to the lungs, and since I personally enjoy doing yoga, I thought this would be a fun event to pull together.”
She said she wants to draw people of all levels, from yoga novices to experts.
“Since we want to focus on lung health, the yoga instructors we have are good about making modifications for all levels,” Brown said. “People new to yoga aren’t going to be pushed too far.”
Desirae Penton, owner of Hidden Dragon and registered yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance, is one of the event instructors. She said yoga’s emphasis on breathing promotes lung clarity and overall health.
“When you breathe deeply and access those places deep in the lungs that you don’t normally reach, there is a cleansing effect; you’re getting all the junk out of your system,” said Penton, who has been practicing yoga since she was 17.
She said yoga is about centering one’s mind and focusing on the practice, so beginners don’t have to worry about insecurities their first times on the mat.
“I think everyone has a fear of the unknown going into their first yoga class, but you have to remember we all look silly at some point,” said Penton. “I’ve been practicing yoga for so long, but I still have a lot to learn. That’s what I love about yoga; it’s a continual learning process. I’m excited about hosting ‘Breathe In, Help Out’ because events like these bring people together. We’re doing something to help ourselves and the community, so everyone wins.”
Proceeds benefit the local ALA. Five different classes will be offered, with each class being $10 per person. Tax-deductible receipts are available. Participants are welcome to make larger donations via lung.org.
This article appears in Jul 24-30, 2013.