OHM

After a long weekend of strenuous eating, we decided it was time for us to do something both good for us and relaxing. We've been doing (sorry, practicing) yoga for years now, and one of our favorite studios that we rarely make it to is Yoga to the People, at St. Mark's place. The best part of this studio? Aside from the utter lack of pretension, it's donation based (or maybe that's part of its lack of pretension?)! Although we feel a little wave of guilt every time we leave the studio without donating or donating a miniscule amount, we tell ourselves that we more than make up for it with our enthusiastic ravings.  Who doesn't want free advertising?

Although we know we're beautiful on the inside despite our external appearances, we decided to preserve our mystery and not post photos of ourselves doused in sweat. Use your imaginations.

This particular yoga session was surprisingly crowded for a Monday afternoon, meaning that there were approximately 2.15 in. of space between us and our neighbors.  This would have been less of an issue if one girl in front of Zoë hadn't felt the need to wear transparent leggings, and the man in front of Rebecca (shirtless man, in case you were wondering) hadn't been so cat-like that he ended up arching his back all the way onto her mat.  It's ok though--they each contributed some really great energy to the communal feel and enhanced our vinyasa flow. Our instructor was a small, vaguely hipster, NYU-student type who liked to give lots of encouragement, but for some reason decided to speak as quickly, breathily, and softly as possible when giving actual instructions. Good thing we're yoga masters and don't need instructions anyway.

It might seem that we're criticizing the class, but really, it was quite an enjoyable hour that gave us the much desired physical activity (as illustrated by our aching bodies for a couple days afterwards).  The natural follow-up to any session of intense physical activity is food.  Lots and lots of delicious food. To undo all the work you've just done.  (that's the point of exercise, right? exercise just enough to offset your next meal?)  So, in this vein, we headed to Mamoun's, a local favorite falafel joint. After each spending a whopping $3.50 on a fantastic falafel sandwich and cup of spiced tea, Zoë proceeded to douse hers in unexpectedly spicy sauce (and nearly died) while Rebecca flexed her newly toned muscles and somehow managed to squeeze her styrofoam teacup so hard that it began spouting tea all over the place.  Chaos ensued.  Luckily, these dilemmas were easily fixable: as Zoë chugged water, Rebecca poured her remaining tea into a new cup (sorry, environment!!) and they were good to go!

Mmmmmmmmm.

Flexibly yours,
masters of Respiration and Zen