Just Say "Aum"

Norah Vasen is a breath of fresh air to the U.S./Mexico border. When the Houston native isn’t working as a clinical research coordinator in the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology, she is practicing the slow stretches and rhythmic breathing of yoga.

Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of the practice is to attain a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility.

September is National Yoga Month, and Vasen is sharing her passion for the discipline with the El Paso community by spearheading a Free Day of Yoga from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 in Downtown El Paso’s Union Park Plaza.

Cities throughout the nation participate in National Yoga Month by offering free yoga classes to expose a new audience to the practice, and to encourage experienced yogis to try new yoga poses and forms.

Vasen, a yoga instructor for three years, said bringing a free day of yoga and music to Downtown El Paso seemed natural.

“I instantly fell in love with El Paso and its downtown,” Vasen said. “The sense of community and camaraderie between everyone is a beautiful thing.”

Instructors from the Mind Body Studio will be at the event to instruct students on yoga poses from downward facing dog to warrior.

Vasen reminds those who do attend the event to bring a yoga mat and water. If you get hooked on yoga, you’re in luck during September.

Additional free yoga classes:

• Sept. 5 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Union Plaza Park
• Sept. 11 Noon to 3 p.m., Mind Body Studio, 631 N. Resler Drive
• Sept. 30 7 p.m., Crestmont Park, Sunland Park and Cadiz Street