What's New in the World of Yoga:

"Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~ Pablo Picasso

While some famous writers, painters, and performers have exhausted their bodies and souls seeking perfection and thus shortened their lives, others are challenging themselves to achieve a sense of balance and equanimity in artistic ways.

Authors Sharon Gannon and David Life have joined with photographer Marin Brading to publish "The Art of Yoga", a book that elevates the form and image of yoga to an artistic level. The creators of Jivamukti yoga, a form of yoga that believes in creating a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings, Sharon and David were photographed over a 10-year span exhibiting the grace, strength, and agility developed from their practice. As a poet, musician, dancer, and producer Sharon regards her art as "a means for uplifting the soul."

Other yoga centers also combine the practice of yoga with the artistic pursuits of writing and painting. The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is known for offering a range of yoga and creativity workshops and retreats. Two specialized offerings include "Mind in Motion - Yoga and Proprioceptive Writing," with Kim Chandler, and "Painting and Yoga in the Berkshires," with Linda Novick.
 
Proprioceptive writing is "a contemplative writing practice that enables you to engage with your thoughts and feelings to awaken the spacious, loving wisdom of your mind". Kim Chandler seeks to tap into an individual's natural vibrancy and creativity by moving yoga students between the yoga mat and the writing table. This movement restores the body and mind "to their natural states of vibrant aliveness, and we reconnect to our true nature".

In her class, "Yoga in the Berkshires", artist and yoga teacher Linda Novick encourages participants to "open creative channels and express inner visions," while enjoying the pastoral surroundings of the Berkshires. Linda guides her class through yoga stretches and breathing exercises that calm and soothe the mind, so that every artist's "natural creativity will come pouring out through painting".

Even if you don't consider yourself an artist, you may want to consider picking up a pen or a brush and allowing your creativity to flow through your art.

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