Torrance Dahn Yoga members know how to enjoy taking care of their body and mind

Imagine the sun warming your body and the smell of fresh salt air as you gaze at the Pacific Ocean sparkling in the sunlight. With the background sounds of birds and surf, your body and mind relax effortlessly as you practice Dahn Yoga. No, it’s not a dream. This popular monthly class, already in its fifth month at the Torrance, California Dahn Yoga Center, even has a grand finish after class when members share bagels and donuts for breakfast.

With ninety percent of members owning one, the “wooden pillow” classes are also well liked and attendance always exceeds forty-five people on those days. What could be the secret of such popularity?

Perhaps it is the element of foot massage which begins with members lining up along the sides of the classroom for support and stepping on the wooden pillows. “I didn’t know I had so much pain hidden in my feet,” one member says with a pained expression. Another smiles philosophically and adds, “I was like that at first, too, but the pain goes away the more you do it.”

Center Manager Choi provides constant guidance. “Your feet are connected to each part of your body, so if you open up the blocked energy points in your feet, the associated areas also open up. Put your thoughts on hold, and keep breathing out. Then you’ll release unnecessary tension from your upper body. Let’s make happy feet!” It can be intense; in fact, after ten minutes, some members have sweat dripping from their faces!

Members comment, “My breathing became deeper and I was able to sleep deeply. I never imagined that such a small, hard piece of wood could make my whole body warm.” When Choi almost canceled the class, thinking it might be boring, members protested, “We have to have this class. It’s hard by myself at home, but easier when we do it all together.”

One favorite tradition occurs on the last Sunday of the month, when members engage in a special bowing meditation of 300 or 500 bows. This strengthens everyone’s dahnjons and releases the month’s accumulated stagnant energy.

Choi takes great pleasure in seeing the members’ love for not only Dahn Yoga but also for each other. With their care and attentiveness toward one another, much like the warmth of family, it is no wonder she always smiles.

— Lynn Moon