Want Wellness? Try Mindfulness

(9/2017) Fads come and fads go, and so do many other exercising techniques, but there is one program that is most certainly not a fad, and that is Yoga. After all, Yoga has been around for more than 5,000 years, but what is Yoga? Many of us associate Yoga with bending and stretching into weird positions, but Yoga is much more than the physical perception most of us envision. Yoga is a total mind and body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation. Yes, relaxation through the stretching, breathing, and one of the most important components-meditation for the mind! The Mind--key word here. The Thurmont Main Street Center will be hosting a series of workshops for Mindfulness in September, but what is Mindfulness? According to Psychology Today, "Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you carefully observe your thoughts and feelings without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to your current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future."

So what about the stretching and bending part of Yoga? According to Web MD., "There are many types of Yoga, from the peaceful hatha to the high-intensity power Yoga. All types take your workout to a level of mind-body connection. It can help you relax and focus while gaining flexibility and strength. Yoga can also boost your mood. Yoga is not competitive. Focus on your own practice and don't compare yourself to other people in your class. Practicing Yoga has many potential health benefits including relieving low back pain, assisting with stress management and is practiced by all ages."

Yoga and Mindfulness is mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and used as a therapeutic technique. Want to create a healthier mindset, destress, and learn techniques without bending and stretching? Then join us for mental wellness workshops on Main Street in September. If you are too occupied in everyday tasks, and no time to think about anything but what your next task is, then these workshops are for you! Make time for Your Mindfulness! Join us for Mindfulness on Main Street with Seminars/Workshops with Instructor Jon Phebus, RYT/CALC Thursday nights from 6:30 – 7:30 at the Main Street Center.

Apart from the regular classes, there are also classes available for beginners. Yoga on Main at the Creeger House - for absolute beginners, community spirit all ages / families/ all levels welcome! Every Saturday in September starting September 9, from 11 a.m. – Noon. Held in the beautiful backyard of the Thurmont Historical Society’s Creeger House, parking is located at the Creeger House located at 11 North Church Street. Please bring a mat. In lieu of a normal class price, the fee for these classes is by donation. In the event of rain, class will not be held.

For more information on the Mindfulness workshops and Yoga on Main Street contact Jon at jon@yogatoyou.us Jon Phebus is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)