BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (July 19, 2015) -- Balance and harmony took over Bagram Airfield, or BAF, during a Yoga Fest sponsored by the Bagram Power Yoga group. More than 80 people signed up for a 90-minute session of warrior ones, low cobras, and downward facing dogs with certified yoga instructor, Capt. Eric Schweppe. Schweppe, a Joint Operations Center battle captain with the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, started the Bagram Power Yoga - Afghanistan group shortly after deploying here in November.
"The goal is to practice yoga that will strengthen physical, mental, and spiritual resiliency of service members and civilians," he said. He primarily teaches Baptiste-inspired Power Vinyasa Yoga, a combination of deep breathing and sequenced groups of flowing yoga postures. Because he received donations of mats, blocks, and straps, he's able to teach 10 classes a week. He said yoga is important because it opens the nervous system, improves mind-body communication and the cardiovascular system, and lowers blood pressure.
"Yoga makes people feel great," he said. "Think of it this way - most of the day we breathe just to stay barely conscious. Controlled, deep breathing encourages mindfulness and presence in the current moment. It takes you away from thinking about the past and future, depression and anxiety." "I am committed to be of service to the community here," Schweppe said. "Afghanistan can be stressful. Yoga is a physical practice through which Soldiers learn ways to handle stressful situations by focusing and calming the mind." Read More