Posted on 2/10/2012
Many of our Ocean Reef guests come down to the beach to "be fully alive in each moment, finding a deep sense of well being and inner strength." So it is not surprising that Beach Yoga has found its way to Destin since this ancient form of exercise and meditation is an apt description of this experience. Yoga is the practice of focused stretching exercise that coincides with conscious breathing also known as prana. The word Yoga in ancient Sanskrit means to yoke or harness the physical aspects of one's body and mind. It strives to unite the body, mind and breath in order to create better harmony and balance of your physical self. Destin Beach Yoga arrived here on the scene about nine years ago in 2003. Although it has become an increasingly popular past time nationwide, the Destin equivalent is done on the crystalline, sugar white sands beside the dazzling emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. During the Fall and early Spring, classes are sometimes held around sunset, celebrating the ethereal beauty of nature and self as the sun in Destin sinks into the waters towards the southwest at this time of year.
Those who practice Yoga attest to a number of physical benefits which include: An Increase in Body Strength and Stamina; Greater flexibility; Reduction of Aches and Pains; Rehabilitation from Injuries; Stress Reduction and an Increased Sense of Well Being; Positive Emotional and Mental Growth as well as an Increase in Spirituality. Yoga leads to increased muscle tone and improved posture that helps align the body making it more flexible and resilient. This helps in the reduction of body aches and even helps rehabilitate preexisting injuries with proper exercise and stretching techniques. Yoga is also a natural stress releasing exercise which is significant since a recent study found that 65% of all illnesses are stress induced. The bottom line is that Yoga makes you feel good. It provides an opportunity for introspection and awareness which leads to a more positive outlook on life as well as a healthy physical sense of well being. Feeling your body become stronger, squeezing out tense muscles, ushering in a sense of solace and the release of stress allows you to focus on an appreciative celebration of life in the present moment.
The spiritual side of Yoga is divided up between what is called Yamas and Niyamas which have life affirming as well as many Judao-Christian values. Yamas includes: Ahisma which stands for non violence and the maintenance of Compassion; Asteyaor or Truth; Satya which means Do Not Covet; Brahmacharya for Moderation and Aparigraha which promotes non possessiveness or Sharing.
Niyamas is about self regulation, harnessing energy to maintain a positive outlook in which to grow. It includes five principles which are: Shauca for Cleanliness and Purity; Santosha Tapas for Contentment; Swadhyaya for Discipline; Ishwara for Self Awareness and Pranidhana for Surrender.
Rhonda Comparin started the Destin Beach Yoga nine years ago and established its web site at yogadestin.com. She is a peaceful yet energetic advocate of this practice that she states is not a workout, religion or a fad. She states that the Yamas and Niyamas "are ten good common sense guidelines suitable to all faiths for leading a happier, healthier life." She defines it as a practice rather than a workout because the breathing techniques and stretching develop the skill of concentration and self awareness. Rhonda says "the physical practice of Yoga is a long journey of learning the poses and transitions with attention on the breath. Simply learning to focus the mind to discipline the body, keeping spirituality personal, a clear and peaceful mind is the result, allowing us to connect deeper in our personal faith." Certainly Yoga is not a fad either since it has been practiced for thousands of years.
Rhonda's unique Destin Yoga classes are held right on the beach at the James Lee Park on Scenic Gulf Drive near Destiny and The Crab Trap Restaurant on an almost daily basis weather permitting. If a drizzle or a little rain hits, she usually conducts classes under one of the Victorian styled pavilions next to the boardwalk. During colder winter weather, classes are held at the Destin Pilates Center at Pelican Beach in Destin off Highway 98 as well as at the Destin Health Fitness Center and the Bluewater Fitness Club in Niceville across the Mid Bay Bridge. A number of different classes are available.
Current rates charged for these classes are as little as $6 per if you purchase eight in advance for $48. Four classes are available at $8 each if you purchase them in advance at $32. If you drop in to a Beach Yoga Class or at Bluewater it will be $10. Drop in rates at the Destin Health and Fitness facility are $15.
Our recommendation is that you try one of the Beach Yoga classes. Rhonda describes it herself as follows: "Our beach yoga classes fully connect with the rejuvenating ambiance of Destin. This blissful jewel of white sand beaches and blue-green water is the ideal environment for flow, sweat, tone, stretch and release (for) exhilarating Yoga. Allowing us to step out of our heads and become grounded in peace, listening to the gentle rhythm of the waves lapping onto the shore, renewing in the sea breeze and centered with the horizon as a focus point while delighting in the dolphins surfing the waves."
Of course you may also feel the same wonderful sense of being at one of Ocean Reef Resort's fine private beach home rentals or Destin luxury condominiums. Paradise is here to be shared by all. However, why not have it all by expanding your own horizons with the practice of Yoga during part of your stay with us here along The Emerald Coast? Even now you can imagine all of that stress and tension just easing away. Relax, enjoy and just "be one" with the beautiful world all around you.
