Mayor Dr. Jayna Karpinski-Costa, City Manager Ash Feeney and other city leaders attending Yoga Fest cited the Art of Living Foundation in an official proclamation for their “ongoing contributions to the health and harmony of the community” recognizing May 10 as Yoga Fest Day in the City of Citrus Heights.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - A gathering of about 100, young and old, relaxed in the late afternoon sunshine on May 10 participating in the city’s first Yoga Fest at Van Maren Park.

Attendees, many of whom were dressed in workout attire and who brought their mats with them, found a shady comfortable place close to the front stage ready to begin. All were warmly invited to meditate, elevate and celebrate, joining their instructors for a day of mindfulness, movement and joy, as they learned helpful techniques in breathwork, meditation and deep relaxation skills.

The free public event, from 4 to 8 p.m., which offered yoga sessions for both beginners and experts, was sponsored by the Art of Living (AOL) Foundation in Folsom. There was also plenty to see and experience for all ages, including sessions of yoga dancing, games for kids, and holistic and vegan food vendors. 

 

Participants engaged in an 18-minute guided meditation exercise. 

Citrus Heights Mayor Dr. Jayna Karpinski-Costa, City Manager Ash Feeney and other city leaders attending Yoga Fest cited the Art of Living Foundation in an official proclamation for their “ongoing contributions to the health and harmony of the community” recognizing May 10 as Yoga Fest Day in the City of Citrus Heights.

The city citation also recognized the occasion as an “opportunity for residents of Citrus Heights and surrounding communities to come together in celebration of health, mindfulness and inner peace through yoga, breathwork, music and cultural expression.”

The event was also described in the public citation as “reflecting the city’s commitment to promoting community wellness, diversity and engagement through meaningful cultural and recreational opportunities.”

Founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Foundation is a humanitarian nonprofit organization operating in more than 155 countries. The foundation’s Happiness Program, with local centers in Folsom, Sacramento and Roseville, teaches rhythmic breathing exercises and deep meditation, along with guided yoga, to help reduce stress and heal the mind and body.

 

Young participants and instructors participated in the special event for adults and families in Van Maren Park.

Yoga Fest led off with an introductory gentle yoga session suitable for all levels to ground the body.

A session of breathwork and meditation then followed, inviting attendees to center their minds and calm their senses through examples of powerful guided breathwork and deep meditation techniques.

Hearts quickly got pumping at sunset with a series of traditional Surya Namaskars, 12 yoga poses performed in a flowing sequence, which are synchronized with the breath.

Then it was time to move and feel the rhythm and flow where yoga meets expressive dance in a vibrant celebration of movement.

 

Instructors from the Art of Living Foundation in Folsom guided participants through a variety of breathing, meditative and yoga exercises throughout the event.

Yoga Fest concluded with an hour-long sunset music and sound healing journey from 7 to 8 p.m. sending off participants with soothing vibrations to fully uplift the spirit.

Karpinski-Costa told participants that Citrus Heights Yoga Fest, funded in part by a city grant, is expected to return again next year.

For more information about ongoing programs and classes that are offered by the Art of Living Foundation in Folsom, visit: aolhappinesshub.org or call 800-314-7050.