Lakewood Celebrates International Yoga Day

Last year, The United Nations made history by declaring Sunday, June 21, 2015, the world’s first International Yoga Day. Inspired by this decree, Lakewood business owners Marcia Camino of Pink Lotus Yoga and Ramesh and Sanjeev Sharma of Namaste India Garden, both on Detroit Avenue, have joined together to offer an event celebrating the spice of life and lifestyle: yoga, healthy food, and, perhaps most importantly, the attainment of peace and happiness through healthy living.

Whether it’s exploring yoga on the mat or enjoying Indian food at the table, International Yoga Day at Namaste India Garden will focus on neighborliness and community through healthy choices. “More than ever,” Sanjeev says, “we need to take care of our health.”

On Sunday, during restaurant hours, community members are invited to take free yoga classes taught by Pink Lotus Yoga instructors in the serene setting of the beautifully decorated back dining area of Namaste India Garden.  

Drawings will take place between classes for free dinner at the restaurant as well as for free yoga class passes at Pink Lotus. Coupons for discounts at both establishments will offer be offered. “Our aim is to promote good food and good yoga,” state the owners of the restaurant.

Namaste is clearly ahead of the game: Many of their customers are medical professionals, and The Cleveland Clinic as well as Fairview, Lakewood, and Mercy Hospitals are regular catering clients of theirs, too. And while yoga students at Pink Lotus have wide-ranging careers, there is a large proportion of healers, physical therapists, organic farmers and chefs, nurses, and yoga professionals taking yoga in these parts. The world is quickly becoming aware of the marriage between how healthy, spicy food and the spice of life that yoga provides can bring about real, lasting change in a person, which spreads, invariably, to the community.

By deciding to bring yoga into the restaurant on International Yoga Day, Sanjeev reflects upon the importance of the need for yoga globally. “This event’s about making people aware of yoga,” he states. “It’s about letting people see firsthand that it’s a great way to exercise, and that everyone can do it. It’s not hard to start once someone knows a few basics.”  

International Yoga Day at Namaste India Garden will consist of on-the-hour free yoga classes for people at all levels and abilities. Those who have never tried yoga are especially encouraged to attend. Complimentary water and tea will be served, and a suggested $5/person donation will be accepted at the door to benefit The Cleveland Foodbank.

Those taking yoga class are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring a mat although Pink Lotus will have some available at the restaurant to borrow. The studio will also provide yoga chairs for those who prefer a seated practice. 

Early registration for these classes is recommended as class size is limited. View the full schedule and register online at Pink Lotus Yoga (visit PinkLotusYoga.com and go to their complete and current schedule) or call Namaste India Garden (216-221-4800).

Marcia Camino

Marcia Camino, founder and director of Pink Lotus Yoga in Lakewood and creator and head trainer in a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program, offers private and public classes and workshops for adults and children. Her specialties and interests include Amrit Yoga, Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Outdoor Yoga.  She can be reached at pinklotusyogastudio@gmail.com and can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

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Volume 11, Issue 13, Posted 5:55 PM, 06.09.2015