Yoga at a place of power

On a hill above Klausen near Verdings is the more than 1,000-year-old Moar zu Viersch farmstead. Bronze and ceramic artifacts, Roman coins and a statuette of Jupiter testify that man settled here long ago. The small church of St. Catherine was built in 1720 on the plateau of the meadow with the old chestnut trees.

Opposite, the view opens to the Villnösstal valley with the Odle Group of dolomite rock rising majestically above the valley. It is a magical place that gives strength.
We came up from Klausen to practice a soft form of yoga, Hatha yoga. Carmen Augschöll of the Röck organic winery accompanied us. The young winemaker discovered and learned to appreciate the balancing power of yoga in a busy and sometimes hectic life during her studies in Vienna. Since then, yoga has become an integral part of her life. The yoga instructor holds beginner and advanced classes at various locations in Klausen.

Live the moment. Breathe. Relax. It's not so easy, especially outdoors. The sun is scorching, a rather large bug has it in for me, and the ants keep distracting me. Even the breathtaking view does not help in this journey to myself. But eventually, Carmen's quiet voice and the almost magical silence of this place allow me to find myself again.

The exercises are well chosen. Powerful and rhythmic movements alternate with relaxed stretching exercises with instruction in proper breathing. At the same time, the sequences remain flowing, gentle and slow. An hour of active well-being really does you good. Afterwards, everyone just wants to stay. In front of the church we sit together on our yoga mats and chat about the beauty of nature, yoga and life. Afterwards we scatter like the wind in all directions - to Pardell, Verdings, Klausen and Feldthurns.

Text: Sylvia Pollex
Translation: Tourist Association Klausen, Barbian, Feldthurns, Villanders
Photos: Thomas Rötting
Pubblication: 2022