The main conference opened today with throngs of yogis filling the Hyatt Regency. Even with the numbers, the registration and check-in moved quickly as folks received their badges and goodie bags filled with all sorts of healthy treats and samples from conference sponsors (not to mention the recent issue of Yoga Journal. There were plenty of staff and volunteers on hand to help participants find their way to the many workshop locations stretched across several floors and ballrooms at the Hyatt.

When I first came across someone carrying a clipboard with a large "ASK ME" sign, I thought to myself, "Ask me WHAT?" (My cynical mind had thought it was some kind of sales approach ~ you know, like "Ask me about my yoga mat," or "Ask me about my car insurance." But NO, it was yet another way of providing assistance to the many participants, staff floaters moving about the crowd.

I've asked folks about how they chose their classes, and I've been met with all sorts of answers. For some, it was a very detailed, almost scientific process. Others had a more random approach. I have to admit that I DID get a bit of a laugh when my sweet roommate ~ Hi Loretta! ~ said she was headed to "Core Mudras & Essential Tricks" and then asked, "What's a mudra anyway?" There are those who looked forward to experiencing new teachers and different methods while others returned to more familiar teachings. Whatever the method, with so many great teachers and workshop topics, I've heard more than a few mention the difficulty they had in making their schedule selections.

Once folks checked in, many purchased the commemorative conference t-shirts, signed up for massages, or made their way into the busy Market Place before heading to classes. On the escalator to my second workshop, someone remarked to me about the large numbers in attendance, saying she was impressed with the turn-out and somewhat surprised given these difficult economic times.

Maybe it's a sign of just what's needed.