Have you ever been fortunate enough to strike a star pose under millions of stars? Neither had I, until this past weekend when I took part in the very first Sun Salutations yoga class in Adler Planetarium’s Grainger Sky Theater.
Armed with my yoga mat and bottle of water, I joined several women and a couple of men to relax our minds while simultaneously receiving a first class lesson in astronomy. Switching between Mountain Poses and Downward Facing Dog, we were able to see different planets in the solar system and what positions they were in during what is supposed to be our spring season.
Led by Bridget Basta of Yoga by Degrees, we were calmly led through changing positions and through stretching our bodies and relaxing ourselves before the Planetarium opened to visitors that morning. Being able to stretch out muscles to the tune of her voice was extremely cathartic. Being under the stars, and seeing the night sky slowly rotating around us.
Touted as a class for those 10 years of age and up, it is deemed beginner friendly, but would make the most experienced of yogis experience a great morning workout. I was comfortable even with not practicing the art for years now. I did work up a bit of a sweat, and I’m sure that it was not ONLY because of my inexperience. Positions were easy to move into and I didn’t feel intimidated because it was nice and dark! It was a wonderful way to create a relaxing atmosphere before one could even work themselves into a tizzy.
If you’re ready to start a Saturday off in the most relaxing way possible, grab a yoga mat, head downtown to the Museum Campus and be prepared to strike your best tree pose.
Sun Salutations will be taking place at Adler for the next two Saturdays at 8:30 a.m.
It costs $12 and includes admission to the Planetarium afterwards.
