“The day after I return home, my city shuts down and my life—along with the lives of 7.6 billion others—changes completely. I come to rely heavily on the mindfulness skills Impello and Drye taught me in the frightening months to follow.
Quieting stress in the face of unprecedented uncertainty becomes a daily necessity. Being present and comfortable along with my thoughts? Essential, as I quarantine alone for months on end.”
The HereNowYoga Mindfulness Retreat of March 2020 was THE very weekend that the pandemic truly became a reality for most of the United States. As the weekend unfolded, participants had been encouraged not to check their phones in an effort to stay focused and present. It was some time on the Sunday of the retreat that a buzz of fear and anxiety was taking hold on many as news began to spread of lockdowns. It was also the year that a journalist from AAA Alabama, Jessica Fender, was there to record her experience. I encourage you to read the article, “A Quick Escape to an Alabama Mindfulness Retreat.” The website asks you to enter an Alabama zip code, if you’re not from Alabama you can use 35005.
We’ll be offering the HereNowYoga Mindfulness Retreat for the 4th year in 2022. Sign ups have already started rolling in! We will be announcing the involvement of local Birmingham, AL teachers over the next few weeks.
We hope to incorporate some very special additional experiences this year. Participants can expect: expressive arts, restorative yoga with sound journey, philosophy/dharma talks, daily meditation and asana practice, pranayama (breath work), silence practice and more.
Dates are March 31st-April 4th. You can save your spot now with a $150 deposit. Beginners to experienced are encouraged to attend.
Kim Drye (pictured) is the cofounder of Birmingham’s Here Now Yoga. | Photo by Kerry Maloney