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• Practicing yoga at Krannert Art Museum

Krannert Art Museum’s free yoga class is a fusion of all things aesthetic. Despite the fact that I vowed never to jump on the yoga band wagon, I am hooked after one session.

Offered every Friday afternoon, the hour long class combines beginner-level stretches with soothing new age music in the quiet basement venue of the museum. The combination of the trance-like music and the soothing voice of the instructor was enough to alleviate my stress immediately. Coupled with the deep breathing and extensive stretching, my body and mind slowly unwound from their frenzied finals freak-out state. Although I was a little intimidated by the thought of twisting myself into various shapes and poses given how long it had been since I had done any sort of physical activity, the instructor was easy to follow. To ensure that no one was over-extending himself and running the risk of pulling something out of where it should have been, she also walked around and guided those in need into the correct pose. She also encouraged those who were able to modify the moves to provide a deeper stretch. I, unfortunately was not one of those skilled few, and often relied on her guiding hand to help me find the right position. Once achieved, it felt like heaven to my vertebrae, hamstrings, etc.

Being surrounded by art provides a deeper mental element than yoga classes offered at more traditional venues. The immediate quietness of the museum as soon as I entered quickly calmed me down. Meandering downstairs, passing all sorts of various art work from paintings to vases, I found myself feeling much more contemplative before even taking my first deep breath. Despite being advised to keep my eyes closed during many of the poses to help me reach a higher level of zen, they often opened either because I was losing my balance or because my ADD had kicked in. However, they were always met with the sketches and paintings hanging on the wall which helped me return to my quiet, meditative state. The entire experience not only left me limber and a good inch taller, but also calmer and a little more creatively inspired.