The boardwalk by the Lower Ore Dock is the setting for a scenic yoga session. The event took place Wednesday, which was International Yoga Day. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

MARQUETTE — Yoga is supposed to be meditative in nature, allowing the practitioner to become self-aware while also working muscle groups through various poses.

Practicing yoga in an enclosed room with aromatherapy and soft music is all well and good, but imagine doing it outside while listening to gulls and watching sailboats glide across the water.

The boardwalk behind the Hampton Inn near the Lower Ore Dock was the setting for such an experience Wednesday when instructors from Rohana Yoga & Fitness, based in Marquette, led an outdoor yoga session on a warm, sunny evening.

Dozens of people brought their yoga mats and faced Lake Superior, trying out poses and listening to acoustic music.

It was enough to make the most stressed person chill a bit.

They needed some guidance, however.

One of those guides was Deanna Koscielny, who opened Rohana Yoga & Fitness, located at 205 S. Front St., Suite 2G, in May with her business partner, Be Embley-Stoll.

Wednesday marked the summer solstice — the beginning of summer. But the day had another meaning.

“It’s International Yoga Day, so 175 countries are celebrating,” Embley-Stoll said.

According to idayofyoga.org, the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 11, 2014. declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. The declaration came after the call for the adoption of June 21 as International Day of Yoga by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the assembly earlier that year when he said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being.

“It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. “

In suggesting June 21, the summer solstice, as the International Day of Yoga, Modi noted the date is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world.

Koscielny said that really was the intent of the event: joining with the rest of the world since it’s a global celebration.

The surrounding scenery didn’t hurt.

“Being out here, in front of Superior and the Ore Dock, it’s pretty ideal,” Koscielny said.

The participants stretched out along the boardwalk to soak in the sights, with the Lower Ore Dock at their left and Founders Landing on their right.

“We’re just really honored to share this energy with so many people,” Embley-Stoll said as they began the session.

Koscielny also explained the significance of the day.

“When we’re practicing together today, we’re not just practicing this great big community of ours in Marquette, but we’re actually practicing with the world, which is so amazing,” Koscielny said.

The group began with a centering exercise, followed by circle movements and other poses, and being told to enjoy the “feeling of summer” on their skin and the air on their necks.

Kamila Fassbender, of Marquette, brought her 8-year-old daughter, Nina, to the event.

The nice weather was a draw to Kamila, but Nina already had some yoga experience too, although it wasn’t in the way typical of many practitioners.

“I made a miniature fortress out of yoga blocks,” the girl said.

The event, though, gave the group an opportunity to reflect on their community.

“So much to be grateful for,” Koscielny said.

Rohana Yoga & Wellness offers a variety of classes, including Yoga 101, a six-week progressive series created for newcomers, returnees or regular practitioners looking for a greater understanding of yoga.

For more information, call 906-273-0383 or visit www.RohanaYoga.com.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.