In 2011 I am taking on a unique opportunity, I am applying to yoga teacher training. While it is truly an amazing prospect, it is also an expensive one, I am reaching out to you today, to ask for your support in making this happen. To donate, please click on this link, for more information, please read below.
In 2010, I decided to finally take the time to focus on my health.
Yoga has been a critical component of my own healing process. The physical practice has opened the door for a proactive, holistic healing of over seven years of chronic illness. Learning to become more aware of my own body, to specify where the pain was emanating from, and then as a result, learning how to take better care of myself, both through the practice and a better diet, have allowed me to spend less time in the doctor’s office and more time present in my own life. From painful endometriosis, to depression and anxiety, yoga and meditation has helped heal me in ways that I did not believe was possible. But yoga is not just a physical practice. Its emphasis on strengthening the mind/body connection has allowed me to heal past emotional traumas as well. Yoga and meditation has been a critical component of the restoration of my spirit after childhood physical abuse and sexual assault as a young adult.
However, as a student, accessing holistic healing has been challenging. Again and again, I have found myself unable to pay for the classes and services that have been so critical to my own recovery. It has only been through the intense generosity of a number of holistic health practitioners and yoga teachers that I have been consistently allowed to facilitate my own healing. It is this unmitigated generosity that has fueled my passion to bring yoga and meditation to those who cannot afford it.
It is for this reason that I am applying to become a yoga teacher. As a yoga teacher I will offer free yoga and meditation classes to communities of color and low-income communities throughout the City of Chicago and beyond. I believe that yoga has a unique ability to heal a number of mind/body illnesses and traumas that currently plague our communities. With that in mind, I believe that communities of color and low-income communities have the most to gain from learning these practices. However, these communities have historically been unable to access these spaces due to the exceptionally high cost of admission to most yoga studios, as well as the almost non-existent presence of mind/body health facilities in most low-income neighborhoods. I would like to begin to change this reality by traveling to various neighborhoods and communities and conducting free classes.
Please help me in this mission today; every donation will help, no matter how big or small. All donations will go towards paying the costs of Yoga Teacher Training so that I can begin this important work next year. Please forward this to everyone you know who may be willing to help. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
peace.
Alex
Blog posts about my journey with yoga:
“Yoga, Healing and People of Color”
“Why Segregate?: or Why Bother Bringing Yoga to Communities of Color?”
“Yoga and Humility: or “how my mat forced me to finally face my enormous ego”
“Yoga and Meditation Fundraiser Updates and Thank You’s!”
“The Final Update on My Yoga Fundraiser for Marginalized Communities“
Hello, I am impressed by your resume and commitment to bring Yoga to the south side of Chicago. I am looking for a Yoga Instructor for my South Side Dance studio. We have just opened 2months ago and we r looking for someone like you with a passion to bring change through Yoga on the south side. I would love to talk with you if you are interested Please contact me at tinesha@fundancefitness.com. 773 359-4957