It’s 6 a.m. on a chilly March morning, and Leelanau County residents are filtering into a warm candlelit room for mysore ashtanga yoga. They quietly roll out their yoga mats and begin to move and breathe in a meditative flow. Later in the day, others will gather in a sunlit studio on the Leland River. They will slowly stretch and listen for the messages their bodies and breath hold. Some practice yoga daily, some weekly, and some simply attend as often as they can. All appreciate the benefits they experience in a consistent yoga practice. The yoga and wellness industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, reflecting a global shift toward health consciousness and the prioritization of well-being on all levels. That expansion is apparent here in Northern Michigan, where residents and visitors alike embrace a variety of yoga and holistic wellness practices as perfect complements to the healthy, active lifestyles they enjoy in our lush natural surroundings.
