SAN ANGELO, Texas More than 40 people stood barefoot on mats inside a circle of citronella candles. They stretched into poses as the sun went down.

They were taking part in A Time for Yoga, a global yoga event focusing on world consciousness and peace Monday evening by Celebration Bridge. The event has ended National Yoga Month on Sept. 30 since 2011.

By participating during your own local time, a wave of yoga will take place around the globe, according to the Yoga Health Foundation website.

Becky Benes, a member of the Peace Ambassadors of West Texas, emceed the event, which organizers plan to make an annual event in San Angelo.

The Peace Ambassadors were a sponsor of the event.

Happiness and steadiness are a way to connect to the Earth and connect with fellow man, Benes said to the group as the event began. We are bringing the community together to uplift souls and bring a stronger connection to our souls and to one another.

Yoga instructors from throughout San Angelo took 10 minutes each to teach a mini yoga session, culminating in an hourlong yoga session.

Laughter, then silence and a few groans were heard throughout the crowd as some learned new poses for the first time, while other more experienced yoga students achieved each pose with ease.

A 15-minute meditation concluded the event, led by tai chi master instructor Steve Haidinger.

Were here to connect to one another and to the outdoors and to connect together, said Stacie Jones, yoga instructor and an organizer of the event, as she led attendees in a series of aums.

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Yoga celebration goes global