Yoga Off the Mat: Summer YITP Events

Summer for the past three years has meant Yoga in the Park! Although some issues have arisen, it's been overall a fantabulous experience - I Heart me some YITP.

This year we have two very special occasions all set up to further the Karma and bring our Yoga off the mat. I thought I'd share them with you! (If you're not an HRM Yogi(ni), maybe a little inspiration to spread the YITP love in your community?)

1. YITP for Zero Force Cycling Team (Child Soldier Initiative) July 9th
My lovely friend, Carla who's doing her PhD in International Studies, always brings the reality of what life can be like for those in other countries.. and the reality of what war causes.

In many countries, Child Soldiers are a reality of war. Children are abducted as young as 6 years of age, girls and boys, tortured, drugged, raped, beaten and forced to commit atrocities against their very own families and communities (assuring they won't be easily welcomed back). Children are sought after for their impulsive and small-quick physicality. Although difficult to determine exact numbers, 250,000 children are currently estimated to be child soldiers around the world.

Roméo Dallaire, a retired Lieutenant-General, founded the Child Soldier Initiative out of Dalhousie University. In October 2010, the Zero Force campaign was launched. Aimed at raising awareness in Canadian youth, Zero Force encourages them to take action in their own communities against the recruitment of child soldiers in a way that is meaningful to them.

The Zero Force Cycling Team (ZFCT) is made up of 4 young guys who like to cycle (as in Bicycle). Their goal is to raise 150,000 for Child Soldier Initiative by bicycling from Vancouver to Halifax this summer; a 7,500km cross country trip!

On July 9th, Yoga in the Park will support a practice where donations will be accepted to support the ZFCT and the Child Soldier Initiative. 100% of proceeds will go towards the Child Soldier Initiative. Check out the facebook event, the ZFCT or Child Soldier Initiative sites for more information.

A great 'extra' is that ZFCT and Child Soldier Initiative has received fabulous support from two specific Yoga Studios- Therapeutic Approach Yoga Studio and Sunrise Yoga Studio. Karma classes (where 100% of proceeds will go to CSI) are being held July 16th 12:30-1:45 at TAYS and August 28th 2-3:15pm (with our fabulous Helen Fong again!) at Sunrise.

2. Halifax Fusion YITP August 13th
Fusion Halifax is all helping young Haligonian professionals to create a community and inspire active citizenship while forging a path for the future of Halifax. They even have a 'Sustainability' section of their Vision Statement:

We want to make our ecological footprint as small as possible and are committed to do everything we can to make it happen. We want our recycling programs to be world-class. We want to minimize our carbon emissions and we want our businesses to be environmental role models.

Helen Fong, CYT (and 2010 Halifax Fusion Award Nominee) and most importantly and fabulous supporter of our student led Coffee and Yoga and YITP, will be leading the class:

We are collaborating with Yoga In The Park (a group of yoga enthusiasts who meet regularly on & off the mat throughout the year) to bring YOU a refreshing outdoor yoga class. Helen Fong, Certified Yoga Teacher and 2010 Fusion Halifax Go Award nominee will be leading this 45-minute Yin Yang Fusion class, which will highlight yoga poses that will Connect, Engage and Inspire. Please bring a yoga mat, pillow, blanket and a bottle of water. See you at the park!

We're so excited that our humble, student-initiated YITP will be supporting community building and activism this summer. Yoga off the mat- oh yeah!

Blessings!

article copyright of EcoYogini at ecoyogini.blogspot.com