Yoga at The Great Lawn {2010}

On Tuesday, June 22^nd 10,000 yogis gathered in Central Park at an event hosted by Flavorpill and JetBlue, creating the world’s largest recorded yoga event. As participants arrived to celebrate the first day of summer and practice with Elena Bower, acclaimed yogi, poet Buddy Wakefield, comedian Reggie Watts, and the music of 13 Hands played in the background.   

Generally speaking, fashion and yoga are diametrically opposed; one should not be worried about outer appearance while working on inner change, right? Well kinda, with an expected guest list of fashion industry elite including Veronica Webb, Donna Karan, stylist Lysa Cooper, and Vogue photographer Sandra Hamburg—it was almost impossible not to trend spot before the class began. After all, Central Park is in the heart of Manhattan, the fashion capital of the world. From the unfashionable to the Bohemian chic, light, loose, and free was the common thread amongst participants, most clad in a t-shirt, comfy shorts, and a colorful bandanna. It was surprising to see such a strong reference to the 80s via vintage inspired yoga wear. Some looked as if they had just walked off the set of The Breakfast Club.

Sascha Lewis, co-founder of Flavorpill explains, “Yoga can make the world a better place through its tremendous health benefits and as a conduit for greater awareness. Yoga at The Great Lawn will make those benefits accessible to a much larger community and inspire us all.”

Despite the weatherman's predictions, the spirit of the season was high and a fuzzy wuzzy feeling extended across the Great Lawn. Under simi-cloudy skies and blue mats, the class kicked-off a tranquil start to the summer.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

photo : © Lesley Williams, 2010