I Saw Russell Simmons Do A Headstand

Reprinted from MissTheda.com

On Thursday October 2nd, I had the opportunity to attend the launch event for TAPAS YOGA, a weekly yoga class at the Ailey Extension taught by Porschla Coleman. Coleman is a certified Jivamukti instructor, philanthropist, model and as you may better know her, ex-girlfriend of Russell Simmons. I was a little nervous because I’ve only practiced kundalini yoga but haven’t practiced in over 9 months and while Kundalini focuses on breathe and mantras, I’d heard that Jivamukti was much more physically grueling. But, I was curious and felt up for the challenge.

Before the 90-minute yoga session began, hip-hop mogul and devoted yoga practitioner Russell Simmons spoke about the transforming effects of yoga and how the practice of the principles of yoga can transform not only one’s body and mind, but one’s community. He stressed that as society continues to bombard us with stimulation it is essential for one to be balanced and achieve balance with one’s surroundings. His strong belief in the transformative power of yoga led him to sponsor people of color to train with his yogis and co-founders of the Jivamukti school in the U.S., David Life and Sharon Gannon, who also briefly spoke about Jivamukti practice.

After the inspirational talks were over Porshla assisted by Luis Davila, began our Jivamukti experience. We began the class by dedicating our yoga practice for the evening to someone who we wanted to send positive energy to and then began to chant in with “om’s.” Once we began the practice took us through a grueling yet relaxing set of fast paced asanas (yoga positions) including “the crow”, “shoulder & head stands”, “warrior’s pose” and “downward dog. “ It was challenging to say the least but Coleman and Davila’s calming voices and individualized attention (even in a room of well over 30 people) got us through it. The other great things about the class was the SPECTACULAR view from the all glass windows on the 5th floor of the Ailey Extension and the music, which was a blend of R&B, hip-hop and classic hindu chanting. The great thing about this class was that it was a great blend of the rigorous physical aspects of yoga while still stressing the importance of the spirituality of the practice.

The class challenged my mind, my body (I’m not sure I will be able to walk tomorrow) and my soul. I left feeling free, invigorated and with a renewed commitment to myself. With such reasonable class prices ($12-$16/session) I’ll be there next Tuesday from 6:15-7:45 working out my chakra’s with Porschla and company.