Integral Yoga NYC

I knew that today's level 2/3 Hatha yoga class with Swami Ramananda at Integral Yoga was going to be a challenge for me and I welcomed it with open arms. For me, the physical practice was not the challenge, but the keeping the mind completely quite while within this class is where I need to practice. The room was a complete mix of people: men, women, early 20's, late 60's, American and foreign. All of this added to the community feeling of the room, as we were all there to surrender to our practice. A little over an hour of asana practice gave way to breathing, meditation and chanting. I felt invigorated afterward and couldn't wait to check out the natural food shop next door.

As I walked the aisles of Integral Yoga Natural Foods, a vegetarian/vegan/raw food store, I was pleasantly surprised - I buy many of the items offered at the market close to my apartment and for a slightly reduced price. Props to me for being able to seek out healthy food on my own! Drawn to the juice bar, I ordered a "Green" juice freshly made of cucumber, bok choy, celery, kale, etc. while my friend opted for smoothie option: Berry Bliz made of fruit.

To balance out my good lunch I also grabbed a small treat: Kate's Baked Goods Quinoa Chocolate Chip cookies. Does anyone know about this company? I'm not kidding when I tell you the cookies are one of the best things I've ever tasted. I'm dying to know what else they make! The cookies are gluten and soy free with no refined sugar and best of all they are vegan.

If you're looking for a place to start your practice or deepen your spiritual angle, this is a great environment to explore. They have a multitude of offerings such as Yoga for Veterans, Yoga Nidra and Kirtan. I'll be back to Integral Yoga soon and after class you can find me next door discovering more yummy vegan food. 

Image: Suat Eman/FreeDigitalPhotos.net