With roads still snowy and the sky an unmotivating shade of gray, ten people managed to bring themselves to the Chrysler Museum’s Wednesday morning yoga class beginning at 7:30am.

I found the soft, quiet feel of the open space of Huber Court to be well supported by the pleasant greeting of the teacher, Lauren Sinclair. As they came in, students seemed familiar about how to lay out their mats and made themselves comfortable as the soft morning light filtered through the skylights.

The majestic Huber Court.

Class started right on time. The practice began with gentle instruction on finding the breath and an initial connection toward an inner awareness. This was followed by a gentle leg stretching series using a strap (which were supplied by the teacher). Being frequently reminded to keep our intention on the breath, we eventually increased the energy and found longer held poses and a deeper sense of focus. Although the room itself was cold, the potential to heat from the inside-out was supported by an energizing standing posture series. (However, on colder days, I would recommend dressing warmly, in layers.)

Bringing the class to another room for our closing pose, savasana (a relaxing posture intended to rejuvenate one’s body, mind and spirit), seemed, at first, a bit disruptive to the flow of class; however this transition seemed to be the highlight for my fellow yogis. Carrying our mats, we slowly filed into a smaller room exhibiting ancient, Egyptian artifacts. Lauren suggested we find a spot closer to the art and lie down. I was happy to do so, as it was the idea of doing yoga in the company of art that most interested me to begin with. This was the only opportunity we had to see any of the art as well as the only time art was referenced or introduced to our practice.

She then guided us toward surrendering our physical senses. We had some time in quiet to enhance our experience within. Although a bit short, this was, for me, a time of introspection. As I laid close to and along side of a number of Egyptian sarcophaguses, I could not resist feeling their presence. I’ll admit it, my mind ventured towards the romantic version of this experience being somehow shared with the remnant spirit of ancient Egyptian souls. For just a few moments I conjured up this wonderful feeling of reciprocal inspiration. Whether or not the spirits conjured were less dominant than my imagination, it worked for me, regardless.

The class at attention.

Being somewhat practiced at the art of sensory withdrawal, I had minimal challenges detaching from the frequent external sounds of staff entering the building. Someone less practiced, however, may find the sounds of slamming doors and the squeak of rubber souled shoes on a marble surface a bit distracting. Although “yogically” speaking, I find situations like this to be a good time to practice flexibility of the mind.

After exactly one hour, the class quietly dispersed and everyone went on their individual ways. Unobtrusively tapping into the conversations of others, I gathered the overall feeling was that of a greater felt sense of being; without having to say it, I got the sense that we all had more  direction leading into the rest of our days.

Noticing that many of the students were museum employees, I am guessing operations have felt an improvement since the weekly class started in January (at least on Wednesdays anyway!).  I, for one, left there feeling energized and eager to continue my day. From a yogic perspective this basic level Hatha yoga class was balanced in structure. From a human perspective it was kind, considerate and a very nice way to start my day.

Yoga For Art Lovers takes place on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for everyone else. Plenty of parking is available close to the front entrance of the museum. Mats are not made available, so you must be a prepared yogi and bring your own, along with any other props you would normally practice with.