Summer Solstice in Times Square

Friday was the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Every year on the solstice, Times Square transforms from the loud, crowded, bustling place it is known to be, into a huge, calm, open air yoga studio. It was estimated that over 16,000 people attended 5 yoga sessions throughout the day, and I was lucky enough to be a part of the amazing event.

I got to Times Square for the 9:30 session and started taking in the nontraditional sights and the sounds in Times Square.  Everywhere I looked there were thousands of people, mats spread waiting to begin. Our warm up was headed by Jessica Mahler and she led us through a few poses as part of the Tampax Active Pose Demonstration.

Paula Tursi, the owner of Reflections Yoga, led our practice for an hour. Before we got started, Paula talked about her 25 year career as a yoga instructor, and about the idea that we are all love, which really resonated with me. She said that the $100 yoga mat and yoga pants won’t make you a better yogi, but you have to find it inside yourself. She also told us to feel the vibration of the people around us and to tune into the universe and understand that we are all collectively practicing, not a bunch of individual people who just happen to be at the same place at the same time.

Even though we were practicing yoga in the middle of the busiest intersection in New York, once we began moving, I didn’t hear a single car horn, truck or construction that was happening just feet beyond us. It was a really amazing experience, and I got chills when we started and finished by chanting three oms. It was a really great experience, and I know that I will be back in Times Square for many years to come.

I also happened to be next to one of the anchors from Fox News’ The Five and they caught me on camera a whole bunch. While I don’t agree with their commentary after the clip, I do think the clip is very cute. Check it out if you want to see some great shots of the event.

I was given the opportunity to attend solstice in Times Square thanks to Tampax Active, and I wanted to share a really cool contest they have going on now. You can upload your #awesomelyactive pics to the Tampax Facebook page for a chance to win $500 and a year’s supply of Tampax products.

How did you celebrate the solstice? Have you ever been to Solstice in Times Square or a similar event?

Disclosure: I was invited to the Solstice in Times Square by Tampax and received a gift for my attendance. All opinions are my own.