Grant will lead the upcoming Blindfold Yoga practice at the Day Yoga Studio, 1100 Brown St., on Oct. 19 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The class is designed for new and experienced yogis alike.
“It’s completely different from anything you’ve done before, and a fun change to your practice,” Grant said.
From smartphones and computer screens to juggling work and family life, sensory overload has become the norm for many people. And being constantly inundated with information makes it more difficult to quiet your mind, an integral component of yoga. Blindfold yoga immediately eliminates visual stimuli.
“It helps you be completely present in your practice,” Grant said.
Focus is required, but a bit of wobbling is to be expected. But only the instructor will notice if your sun salutation isn’t on point because everyone else is blindfolded.
“The blindfolds can bring a playful quality to it,” said Devon Schmidt, an instructor and the owner of Day Yoga. “It doesn’t matter if every pose isn’t perfect.”
Eliminating comparisons is a major benefit of blindfold yoga. It’s not about perfection.
“You’re not worried about what it looks like,” Grant said. “You are focusing on feeling where you are, not seeing.”
Adding a regular yoga practice into your wellness routine has several physical benefits, according to the American Osteopathic Association. Among those are improved muscle strength and tone. Blindfold yoga will put your balance and muscles to the test.
“You are going to feel muscles and tendons you never felt before,” Grant said. “You’ll need them for stability.
“But it’s not, necessarily, more difficult physically, it’s more of a mental challenge.”
It’s those challenges that Day Yoga provides regularly with unique classes and out-of-the-ordinary venues.
“I try to make yoga accessible for everyone, meeting them where they are,” Schmidt said. “And I also look for different ways to get people out of their comfort zone. Blindfold yoga does that.”
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
What: Blindfold yoga, where you step onto your mat, eliminating the sense of sight, empowering your other senses, and drawing your focus inward, away from self consciousness.
When: Oct. 19, 7:30-9 p.m.
Where: Day Yoga Studio, 1100 Brown St., Dayton
Cost: $25, includes blindfold
Tickets and info: dayyogastudio.com/
More: Bring a notebook/journal and pen
YOGA BENEFITS
• Lessens chronic pain
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces insomnia
• Increases flexibility
• Increases muscle strength and tone
• Improves respiration, energy and vitality
• Helps maintain a balanced metabolism
• Weight reduction
• Improves cardio and circulatory health
• Improves athletic performance
• Provides protection from injury
SOURCE: American Osteopathic Association
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