Just after the Muslim evening call to prayers wafts through Baghdad, Maj. Michele Spencer and her students add their own chorus: Om...Om...Om. .. Spencer, a medic training officer with the multinational security transition command in Iraq, teaches soldiers to channel their energy in her yoga class. I believe that I teach with more conscious intention [in Iraq] to create peace and share a space where people can come and be one with their breath away from the cacophony of war, Spencer said . With all that focused intention, I believe the energy synergistically creates healing for all. Two years ago, Spencer began teaching yoga as a personal trainer from her home after studying Ashtanga Yoga, and then Power Vinyasa Flow yoga. Six months ago, when the reservist went to the Green Zone in Iraq with the 9th Brigade, 108th Division out of Charlotte, N.C., she decided the class could provide a calming effect for soldiers facing daily battles with stress. She said at least one other yoga instructor teaches at the embassy. She started teaching four students during her off time. Now, she said, she instructs yoga veterans and newcomers three days a week. Unlike the civil war that is happening outside of the Green Zone, yoga is an inside job affecting the hearts and minds of those who practice with the intention that the energy can transform them and the lives of others, Spencer said. Maybe the answers are right under our nose in a yoga pose: in a sun salute or stretching our tight backs in a downward facing dog. To read this story visit the armytimes website here: http://www.armytimes.com/story. php?f=1-292925- 2436060.php Major Spencer's website is also worth browsing: http://www.baghdadyoga.com/index. html Some snippets from her website: While what we can visually see in war, in conflicts at home or wherever may appear hopeless, I know the instruction and sharing of yoga cultivates positive change---It' s not that we need to "withdraw" from Baghdad...We need to go "within!"
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