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Om Shanti Om.

September 11, 2011 by Carolina

Though it is one of my favorite Bollywood movies, I’m not referring to it when I say Om Shanti Om. Om Shanti is one of my favorite yoga mantras, it means peace. Peace with yourself, peace with those around you, peace with & in the world. Today being the 10th anniversary of September 11, I can’t think of a better mantra.

I remember exactly where I was on September 11. I was in Mass Media class in college when we turned on the TV (a ritual of the class, it was mass media class after all) & saw the horrific image of the first tower being hit. We all sat there stunned, not saying a word, not believing what we were seeing. Our professor let us go home; I remember walking to my sorority house wondering how my loved ones in NYC were & not being able to reach them. As we sat in the sorority TV room my sisters & I cried as we saw the second tower go down; it is a day I’ll never forget. I remember doing yoga that night, trying to calm my mind. That’s the thing about yoga: it helps you calm & clear your thoughts, tap into a sense of peace.

I was ecstatic to go to Rasa-Lila Fest yesterday & I wasn’t disappointed — it was incredible! I got to start the day with Victoria (Running Peanut), Katy (Katy Widrick) & Meghann (Meals & Miles) at Salutation Nation. Though the broadcast called for 50% chance of rain the sun was out; it was the perfect day to do yoga outside.

After enjoying an hour of complimentary yoga, it was time to check out Rasa-Lila. The festival was an all-day event featuring incredible vendors (like Mix1, Lululemon & College Park Yoga, to name a few), wellness, meditation & yoga class, even stand up paddle boarding.

The girls & I started off by taking a yoga basics class with Kelly, one of my favorite instructors in town. We had fun trying different poses.

Practicing yoga with friends is so much fun! After Yoga Basics I checked out the Yoga Nidra & Prayanama classes, both were incredible. The yoga community is so welcoming; I felt at ease & relaxed the whole time I was there. I not only got a good work out, I got to meet great people, try out new things (like a calming tea that was incredible), got coupons to try out different yoga studios, & even attempt poses I’ve never tried before. Rasa-Lila was a great time; I’m excited to go to the next one.

Days like yesterday make me feel incredible thankful to be alive & well. They also make me reflect on those that are no longer with us but left a huge imprint in our hearts. I hope today, wherever you are, you take time to remember your loved ones & let those around you know you love them. Today, 10 years after a day that changed our country’s history, lets take the time to say Om Shanti. Peace to you & all your loved ones. Namaste.