Namaste is distancing itself from negativity.
On Wednesday, thousands of yogis gathered in Bryant Park to release the bad vibes associated with the recent Mercury retrograde that occurred this summer.
Fitness lovers were embracing a “retro mindset” following a challenging planetary alignment, which left many feeling out of sorts.
About 1,200 participants flocked to Bryant Park for a yoga class aimed at revitalization after the tough cosmic period.
“Mercury retrograde is usually a bummer, but I find yoga helps me stabilize my emotions and body. I mostly stick to yoga classes, so I’m hopeful this will lead to a better week for me,” shared one attendee.
This retrograde phase—when the planet appears to reverse its course—is often linked with a streak of misfortune.
The latest one, which typically happens three or four times a year, spanned from July 17 to August 11.
Yoga leader Joe Murdoch noted that while it’s often viewed negatively, this time can also be about introspection.
Many participants reported feelings of lethargy and fog during the retrograde period. For instance, Jenny Romanelli spoke about battling excessive thoughts and forgetfulness.
Meanwhile, Sara Souici reflected on a tough moment, recalling, “It was the day I had a breakdown, surrounded by comfort food and binge-watching shows.”
“We all need to hit reset. It’s good to unplug for a bit—turn off your phone, shut down the computer. Just reflect,” Murdoch advised.
“Feedback and reviews can be daunting, but they’re useful tools. Sure, it can be uncomfortable, but if you embrace it, it might help.”
Despite the challenges, many of her 1,200 students were eager to break free from their rough experiences and start fresh.
“When Mercury is retrograde, everything tends to go awry,” voiced Kendall Carell, a retired yoga instructor, who sought to avoid any bad energy.
“I had a particularly tough time recently, heading out to the West Coast to help my eldest son pack and relocate. It was quite the challenge, and I even ended up with some bone bruises!”
For visitor Sarah Souti from France, her recent retrograde journey involved personal struggles: “I had days when everything was breaking down, indulged in a lot of comfort food, and watched my favorite shows repeatedly.”
“It’s very much about energy. For me, during this retrograde, I felt more anxious and a bit on edge,” she admitted.
