In my first-ever class with Ana Forrest at the New York Yoga Journal Conference, she asked us while sitting cross-legged to place one hand on our genitals, the other on our anus, and to make a high-pitched buzzing sound with our voices.

I consider myself an open-minded individual, but at that moment all I was thinking is: What. The. Eff.

a ballroom full of buzzing yogis

But I closed my eyes, followed her instructions, and buzzed. The entire hotel ballroom buzzed. The sound was vibrational and not unlike a swarm of insects.

When we got into the asana part of the workshop, Ana had a different way of instructing us into poses. In trikonasana my neck and gaze were adjusted to a place that left me feeling a new sense of freedom. I left the class feeling a little conflicted about my practice and what I’d known to be “right”, but more than anything I was curious about Ana, so I didn’t hesitate to accept when I received an email asking if I’d like to read her book, Fierce Medicine.

what it's about

Fierce Medicine is part autobiography, part how-to-use-yoga-in-the-real-world (with photos and clear instructions), and part self-help motivational (which is a bookstore section I am always drawn to).

why we buzzed

In Chapter 5, Ana explains what Brahmari breathing, which is sometimes called ‘bee breath’, is and how to use it to wake up and align the seven energy centres in your body. On using it for the first chakra, Ana said: “If you can restore that core fire, that magma, that heartbeat of the earth, what would be ignited in your creativity, your cell structure, your body’s ability to cleanse and renew itself?” All of a sudden the genital-buzzing from New York didn’t seem so weird and random anymore.

in summary

Read this book if:

• there is any area in your life where you want to bring more power
• you are interested in yoga as a healing tool
• you took a class with Ana and wondered why she asked you to touch your genitals and make a humming sound

Avoid this book if:

• you are not interested in change
• your life is perfect

Ana’s writing is real, honest, funny, and inspiring. It’s the kind of book I’ll read again, in parts or as a whole, and recommend to friends.

What have you been reading lately?

What did you get up to last weekend? Lateesha, a key leader from lululemon Soho, practiced with global yogis, declared new goals and got her dance on with a live DJ and drum circle. Read on for her other New York Yoga Journal conference highlights.

making new friends at the photo booth
I spent much of my weekend at our photo booth, where yogis looking for a place to relax would stop by, like the group looking seriously yoga-stoned after their all day intensive with Ana Forrest. Yogis from all over the world visited to have conversations, make new friends and strike a pose. The atmosphere was so fun which is probably the reason I pitched a tent and camped out here all weekend!

getting my dance on
Dancing at a yoga conference? This was no ordinary dance party. Part energetic yoga class, part free form body bumping dance party and a whole lotta fun. Elena Brower, Dana Flynn and Shiva Rea lead the evening and created a space that was both meditative and playful. How often do you get to meet up with hundreds of friends (both old and new) to shake your booty to a live DJ set and drum circle? Highlight of the evening: the entire class on their mat singing along to a soulful version of Empire State of Mind. A New York moment that can never be repeated!

creating a life i love
On Sunday, our eastern U.S training manager, Tricia Prange, shared tools to make powerful choices and build a future that inspires and moves us, at our Create a Life You Love workshop. If you missed it, check out our goalsetting page for some of the juicy info.

practicing with seane corn
My 10-year vision includes having Seane Corn on speed dial and the opportunity to practice with her was by far the highlight of my YJC experience! Each year Seane’s organization Off the Mat, Into The World sponsors an international service project called the Global Seva Challenge that challenges yogis to raise $20,000. I plan to raise the funds and join OTM next year in India to raise awareness for the issue of sex trafficking worldwide.

Sounds like fun, right? If you live on the West Coast, good news! The first-ever Yoga Journal Conference in San Diego is happening July 12-16. We’ll be there with bells bandhas on.

In between classes today at the New York Yoga Journal Conference, I took a few minutes to challenge friends both old and new to a game of Truth or Dare. The game turned primarily into "Truth", with only one dare issued (pending photo evidence), and things quickly got real.

have you ever faked an om?

"How do you fake an Om?" - Heather, lululemon Lincoln Square

"I've quietly Ommed, in my first few classes ever." - Dana, lululemon Madison Ave.

have you ever passed gas in class?

"I can't think of anything I've ever done that doesn't involve me farting." - Matt from the Himalayan Institute

"My bandhas keep it in." - KB, lululemon Madison Ave.

have you ever faked an om?

"Heck yes. Made the 'Om face' and all!" - Bev, lululemon graphic designer (on the right), with graphic designer Steph who has been dared to do some public yoga (please check back).
Update! Here is Steph doing Child's pose at MoMA:

have you ever passed gas in class?

"No. I don't demo so that helps control the bodily functions." - Andrew, photographer and lululemon Garden State

has a student ever passed gas while you were adjusting them?

"Yes." - Matt Giardano, lululemon Soho ambassador & acroyogi

Moments after answering this question, Matt was inverted on a chair:

Tomorrow we're hosting a vision and goals workshop at 1:45-2:45pm lead by Tricia, who will definitely not ask you embarassing questions and post them on the internet. See you there or on the mat!

There are some things (like keeping up with latest and greatest everything) that New Yorkers just do best. Before we go barreling into the boroughs, we asked Soho Keyleader, Natalie, for her can’t miss picks for the upcoming New York Yoga Journal Conference. Now if only we can get her to hail us a cab…

top 5 must-dos at the new york yoga journal conference

5. the marketplace
The marketplace will be open and free to the public all weekend. There’s tons of amazing health, wellness and yoga brands setting up shop with the coolest stuff in the industry. Need a new photo for your Facebook timeline? Check out our complimentary photo booth where you can strike a pose with yogi and photographer, Andrew Dolgin.

4. get bendy with backbends
Channel your inner acrobat! Check out Effortless Backbends with Rodney Yee & Colleen Saidman Yee on Saturday at 8am. After nearly memorizing the Power Yoga DVD, I’m dying to hear Rodney ask me to, “stand in mountain pose”. This dynamic duo will not disappoint!

3. create a life you love
Nothing like a little goal setting to light the fire under your asana. Join us for our complimentary workshop, Create a Life You Love, on Sunday at 1:45pm. Create a vision, set some big hairy audacious goals and start living your best life.

2. i spy with my little (third) eye
Now that your vision has been set, put your practice into motion and learn to trust your inner knowing. Don’t miss Seane Corn in Yoga for Inner Visioning on Sunday at 3:30pm.

1. get your dance on
If you can only make it to one thing this conference, let it be this Friday night event! The amazing Elena Brower and Dana Flynn will co-lead a yoga class set to the beats of DJ Drez. As if yoga and sweet tunes aren’t enough to seal the deal, the class will turn into a yoga trance dance session led by Shiva Rea. (Editors note: We can’t say so for sure but if it’s anything like our own yoga rave it’s certainly an event not to be missed!)

the details

yoga journal conference new york
April 12 - 16, 2012
Hilton New York
New York, NY

Four days, 45 master teachers, over 100 classes and so much awesomeness. We’ll be live tweeting, instagramming and blogging from YJNYC all weekend. What are you most looking forward to at this year’s conference?