Thousands took the time to stretch out and breathe on Moncton’s riverfront Saturday.
They all took part in the second annual Breathe Yoga Fest.
Co-Founder Gail Collins says many who attended were doing yoga for the first time and experienced how it can change your life.
“You get to allow yourself to slow down, and it’s something that people in this day and age, just doesn’t happen, so you see people get stressed,” says Collins. “When you get that time to allow yourself to find that stillness, it’s amazing even if it’s only one hour every couple days, it’s amazing what it can do to you.”
Collins says she tried yoga for the first time when she lived in Vancouver and it had such a positive impact, that she started her own studio, when she returned to Moncton.
She hopes the event touched participants the same way it impacted her when she did it for the first time.
“As soon as I walked out, I was googling and looking up becoming a teacher and getting certified just after my first class,” says Collins. “I just loved how I felt, and that just changed everything about me.”
“It changed how I dealt with frustrating situations, and I slept better, and I had more energy,” continues Collins.
Co-Founder Cathy Manual says when she first started doing yoga it helped her to focus.
“It slowed down the chatter in my brain and all of a sudden I was just focusing on me, and focusing on my breathing,” says Manuel. “That quiet and stillness was just a beautiful reprieve from my every day life.”
Manuel says it ultimately changed her life and she hopes others who attended Yoga Fest for the first time, were also impacted in a positive way.
