|
|
 |
|
| Expressing Gratitude at Thanksgiving Time
Street Yoga Happenings, November 2010
|
|
|  |
In This Issue
· A Note from Mark Lilly, Street Yoga Founder and President
· Program Updates · Portland & Seattle Events + Community Meeting
· Donation Classes Benefitting Street Yoga
· Upcoming Street Yoga Teacher Trainings
· Gratitude
· Street Yoga in the News
· Support Street Yoga
· Yoga Classifieds *NEW!
· Street Yoga Wish List
|
| A Note from Mark Lilly, Street Yoga founder and president
|
| | Dear friends,
It's all about the Gratitude. Survival is the first step, often in a long journey, towards thankfulness.
Last month, my son and I visited a cardiologist to assess an irregular heart beat he had endured a few times. Seeing him pale, hooked up to monitors, getting an IV, surrounded by concerned medical personnel reminded me viscerally of our time in the hospital three years ago when survival was a minute by minute question.
This time, the good news came much more quickly. A scan of the heart, a consult with the doctor, and we were given a clean bill of health. No meds, no surgery, just back to living the life we are so blessed to enjoy.
Gratitude swept through me, washing over every cell in my body. It reminded me of the Street Yoga work we do. Last month's thoughts were focused on survival, but survival is only the first step. Will Johnson, author of "Yoga of the Mahamudra" elegantly describes the evolutionary power of Tadasana. We stand tall because it gives us the greatest ease possible, the greatest chance to evolve. Stacking all our vertebrae atop one another with a mindful attention to balance affords us an opportunity to move beyond survival. Yoga allows us to experience moments of great ease and tranquility in our daily lives.
With that, we can experience what Michael Meade describes as two of the unique attributes of being human: Beholding Beauty and from that, Expressing Gratitude. That's a big part of our job in Street Yoga, to help people realize their own survival, and from there, to help them create moments of ease that allow every one of our participants to experience the Beauty that lives within each of us. From there, it's a single breath away from Gratitude.
The thanks we listen for is not anything directed towards us, but those moments when we each are so moved by life's incredible bounty, richness and beauty, that we can't help but say Thank You, to all of Life itself.
Blessings,
m
|
| | Street Yoga at Pioneer Special School
From our MSW intern, Alison Young
Yesterday I attended a class at the Pioneer Special School for kids overcoming behavioral challenges, where Michael was subbing for Zach, our usual teacher for this site. I was met with five enthusiastic participants, between eight and ten years old, full of energy and ready to move. The students' teacher, Kaveh, was also present, as were a couple other staff members. Michael started the class with some limb shaking movements, stretching, and introductions.
My favorite part was when Michael turned on some music and let the kids create their own poses, all having to do with the theme of growth. The kids enjoyed this imaginative exercise. Throughout the class, several of the participants became distracted or upset for different reasons, and at times, the environment was chaotic. One student wanted to show her pose to the class, but her teacher told her she couldn't because she hadn't been listening. She became angry and went to take a short walk with a staff member. Even though several students had to take breaks, they always returned to class and were happy to get back to yoga. There were moments when each student was engaged, focused, and tuned in.
I wondered what the students would have to say about the class and how it made them feel. In their evaluations, all five of the participants reported that yoga makes them happy. Four out of the five indicated that their yoga class teaches them how to relax. Their teacher indicated that he is satisfied with the Street Yoga program and feels that his students are satisfied with it as well. Participating with the youth at Pioneer made me realize the importance of having a program like Street Yoga, given the diverse and numerous challenges that many individuals face. A Street Yoga class is not what you would expect to experience at your local studio, and it shouldn't be.
The youth at Pioneer experience behavioral and emotional challenges that require a special approach . Some of the benefits that these youth gain through yoga include self-regulation, increased relaxation, and self-confidence, to name a few. This class provided a brief, but rich window into the struggles that these children go through, and highlighted the value of our classes in cultivating their sustained growth.
|
| | November Community Meeting: Nov 21
Meet n' Greet: Learn more about Street Yoga!
Sunday Nov. 21st from 6:30-8:30 at Yoga Bhoga, which is on 1028 SE Water Ave.
* Open to all! Please join us if you would like to learn more about the Street Yoga mission and volunteers.
Thanks Yoga Bhoga for the space to gather. We will have some snacks but feel free to bring some with you to share with everyone. It will be a great evening of self-care, sharing, and SY fun!!!!! So come on out and meet the community, get inspired, and to give yourself some fall self-care!
If anyone would like to teach/share anything with the group - communication techniques, some tai chi, etc. then please let contact Brianna.
Featured this Evening will be:
Ayurveda Vata Balancing Techniques with Alice
Inspiration/Sharing time: sharing class experiences, needs and resources.
*Plus more! Email Brianna if you would like to participate.
Please RSVP, but if you don't you should still make it if you can!
Email: brianna@streetyoga.org
Soul-Shakin' Yoga Brunch at YoYo Yogi Sunday Dec. 5
A fundraiser to support Street Yoga Classes at Trillium
Please join us Sunday morning Dec. 5 at YoYo Yogi in the Pearl for two donation-based classes and brunch yummies, with all proceeds going to support our ongoing Street Yoga class at Trillium Family Services.
We'll begin with a 9 a.m. Soul-Shakin' Power Yoga class (all levels) led by YoYo Yogi co-owner Alex Cole. What is Soul Shakin' Yoga? Alex lends his musical talents to this lively class focused on life, love, laughter, and inspiration. Plan on floatin' out the door with a big smile and that "bring it" weekend feeling.
After class we invite you to hang out in YoYo Yogi's beautiful space, munch on delicious light brunch fare, and sip coffee, our special blend of Street Yoga tea, or a "Mimasana," our soul-shakin' take on the classic Mimosa. A second Soul-Shakin' Power Yoga class will be offered at 11:30 a.m., with more light brunch and beverages served immediately after.
Join us for one or both classes, or just indulge in the Sunday brunch for a great cause. The suggested donation is $8 to $18 for your yoga stretchin' and yummy nibblin'. We look forward to soul-shakin' on the mat with you soon!
RSVP here: alice@streetyoga.org
Holiday Happy Hour
A Fundraiser for Street Yoga's Seattle Branch Where: Vermillion Art Gallery
1508 11th Ave
Seattle, WA. 98122 
When: Wednesday, December 8, 2010 Time and Events:
· 3:30-5 pm: Yoga with instruction by Asha Marie
· 5-7pm: Happy Hour with Live Music by Karen Lindenberg and guests. We'll also have presentations by Street Yoga teachers and information on our current work in Seattle. Cost: $20 includes yoga class, live music, presentations, and one free happy hour drink (Washington wines and wells). Click here to purchase!
An Evening with Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds to Support Street Yoga!
 Dave Matthews Band is playing two charity concerts in Seattle at McCaw Hall on December 6th and December 7th.
Purchase a ticket for one of the shows, and you will receive a voucher from DMB to donate to Street Yoga. Just enter the code on your voucher through JustGive.org, select Street Yoga as the recipient, and DMB will give $150 to Street Yoga on your behalf!
Public ticket sale will began November 6th through ticketmaster. Tickets will go fast!
Visit the Warehouse website to become a member and place a ticket request for Dave and Tim in Seattle.
Seattle Street Yoga Gatherings!
Every first Tuesday of the month, we are building community, sharing questions and best practices, and receiving ongoing training from experts in our community. The November training covered Yoga Therapy: Identifying Yoga Tools for Various Therapeutic Applications, by Robin Rothenberg
http://www.essentialyogatherapy.com/robin.html
Email Stephanie with questions or for more information on upcoming meet ups.
Resolutions NW's 25th Anniversary Celebration: The Art of Reconciliation
Art Show from 12pm to 6pm November 20 & 21
Street Yoga Board Member Debbie Russell helped bring together this featured show with featured Artists, Colored Pencils Art & Culture Night, Aztec dance troupe, and Ed Elmo storyteller.
WHERE: St. David of Wales Epsicopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison, Portland, OR
www.artofreconciliation.org
|
| Ongoing Donation classes benefitting Street Yoga
|
| |
Santosha Yoga for Every Body
hosts a donation Beginning Vinyasa class at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. All proceeds from this class benefit Street Yoga. Practice at Santosha, 4876 NW Bethany Blvd, Suite L4, and support Street Yoga at the same time.
www.santoshaforeverybody.com
Yoga Shala
Yoga Shala's North Williams location hosts a Vinyasa class (all levels) at 10-11:15 a.m. Saturdays. 10% of all proceeds benefit Street Yoga. Treat yourself to this class, at 3803 N. Williams Ave., and support Street Yoga at the same time.
http://www.yogashalapdx.com
Yoga Bhoga
Yoga Bhoga now offers a Classical Hatha class for adventurous yogis from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. 10% of all class proceeds benefit Street Yoga. Alice, a Street Yoga volunteer, leads this class with a sense of adventure to explore every facet of the physical, emotional and spiritual body.
www.yogabhoga.com
Body and Brain Yoga in SW PDX is offering all Street Yoga Volunteers 20% off all memberships & trial month of 3 classes/week for $75. 1 hour intro session is 20% off the normal $25 - a one on one to check alignment, energy flow through meridians and organs, intestine/ internal organ condition etc. - recommended to get the most benefit from the classes. offered to us through Olga Debakey - thanks Olga. www.bodybrainyoga.com
Holiday's Health & Fitness Yoga offers free workshops to teens and those who teach teens full-time. Thanks Holiday!holiday@holidaysyogacenter.comwww.holidaysyogacenter.comBackside Bow Yoga Studio (Seattle)Nikki Chau will be teaching a community donation-based yoga class on Sunday nights 7 - 8:15pm at Backside Bow Yoga Studio in Ballard for the rest of this year. Proceeds will go to Street Yoga.www.backsidebow.com.....................................
If you would like to host a donation class at your location, and be featured on the Street Yoga website as well as monthly newsletters,
Please contact rachel@streetyoga.org.
|
| Upcoming Street Yoga Teacher Trainings
|
| | We offer monthly weekend teachers' training in cities across the country for community members interested in learning how yoga serves vulnerable young people and their families, not only homeless youth, but also young people who are faced with challenges stemming from overcoming the pain of sexual and physical abuse, homelessness, mental illness or familial substance addiction and other traumas.
Trainings are open to experienced yoga teachers as well as those new to yoga. In the past we've had massage therapists, nurses, social workers, teachers and many others join us for a weekend of connection, learning and soul-building.
We now offer CEUs through the Yoga Alliance and the National Association of Social Workers for the SY Training.
· Seattle, WA Nov 19-21, 2010 Sign up now.
· Houston, TX December 3-5, 201o Sign up now.
· New York City, NY January 14-16, 2011 Sign up now.· Chicago, IL February 25-27, 2011 Sign up now.· Portland, OR March 25-27, 2011 Sign up now.· Tuscon, AZ April 15-17th, 2011 Sign up now. |
\
| Gratitude! We've got a lot of it ...
|
| | So many wonderful individuals, organizations, and businesses have supported Street Yoga this year. We are continually filled with gratitude for their generous support.
A-1 Storage donated a storage space to Street Yoga! If you mention Street Yoga when you sign up, you will recieve 10% off your first month, plus 10% off any moving supplies. 615 Southeast Main Street, Portland, OR (503) 232-5200
We received a donation in the amount of $1080.00 by an individual who was deeply moved by the Street Yoga mission. Thank you!
We are honored to recognize Flawless Foundation's program sponsorship of ChristieCare and Pioneer. Flawless takes a stand for more humane, compassionate care for children and adolescents who live with mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges. Thank you to YoYo Yogi for being a Street Yoga sponsor at Trillium Family Services and for donating 65 stainless steel water bottles to Street Yoga students. Street Yoga teachers, please come pick up some for your class today!If you are interested in sponsoring a street yoga program at a community site, please e-mail rachel@streetyoga.org. As a is a regular contributor to Street Yoga, YogaBlaze is a sponsor for our upcoming Seattle Teacher Training! Thanks again to the Give Back Yoga Foundation and Anusara for all the clothing donations for Street Yoga participants. Thank you Barefoot Yoga Company for helping spread the word about our upcoming Seattle Street Yoga Teacher Training!
Lululemon Seattle raised over $400 through their charitable giving event for Street Yoga. Thank you!
Special Gratitude Goes to the Yoga Studios Who Sponsor Community Classes Benefiting Street Yoga:
Yoga Bhoga www.yogabhoga.com
Body and Brain Yoga www.bodybrainyoga.comSantosha Yoga www.santoshaforeverybody.com
Yoga Shala of Portland www.yogashalapdx.comBackside Bow Yoga Studio (Seattle) www.backsidebow.com
|
| |
International Journal of Yoga Therapy
Yoga Therapy in Practice: Healing Sexual Abuse with Yoga by Mark Lilly and Jaime Hedlund. "This article outlines the rationale and best practices for helping young people recover from the trauma of sexual abuse using integrative and therapeutic Yoga practices." Click here to read it on our website!
Street Yoga Stories
8 Limbs Yoga Blog featured Street Yoga volunteer, Shelly Thorn. "I teach yoga and mindfulness practices to teens at a Street Yoga site in Seattle and I couldn't be more deeply moved by the incredible potential of human beings and the power of yoga to heal. After a mere 35 minutes per week during the first quarter it was offered, the teens reported relief from backaches, shoulder pain, a bad knee, stress and anxiety." Read more here!
|
| | Drink Street Yoga Tea!
If you haven't tried our new tea, you definitely should, as it is now available for purchase, and it is fantastic. Street Yoga Tea is a sweet, refreshing hibiscus blend that calms and clarifies. Hibiscus, the red flower sacred to Ganesh, contains vitamin C and is beneficial to meditation. Street Yoga tea also has calming chamomile, rosemary for concentration, peppermint, cardamom and cinnamon for digestion, lemongrass for its antioxidant properties, and stevia and licorice for taste. This tea is beneficial and safe for all, including children. To purchase our tea, click here.
 Sport a Street Yoga T-shirt!
Why not kick back, relax and sip that tea in one of our great t-shirts, a new design featuring Street Yoga's take on Ganesh. The theme of the t-shirt is Triumph - in women's sizes, we have light pink, light teal and gray tanks, as well as light green Ts (shown left), and in men's sizes we have light blue and army green - you can purchase them here. Look fabulous and support Street Yoga all at the same time!
We also have the GIVE T-shirts available. This is the shirt with the heart with wings, they come in hot pink and light green for women and dark blue for men!
Click here to check it out!
Donating to Street Yoga
We deeply appreciate your support. Any contributions you can make will help us help the youth, one breath at a time. If you want to donate directly, please donate here, and choose your level of donation!
Monthly pledging from your credit card is now available. Consider joining this month at our "Tree Level" for just $9 per month.
Thank you, many smiles and blessings to you all! Namaste.
|
| | Temporary volunteer yoga teacher
Needed: January and February. The students in this class are volunteers with JVC, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.
These young people work for a year in non-profits in Portland, live in community and commit to simple living - they earn $80 a month spending money. Usually about 6-8 bike over to class in any given week. This is an ongoing Tuesday evening class, 7:30-8:45 PM, St. Andrew church community center, 9th and Alberta. The three regular teachers are gone for most of these two months, but there may be one or two weeks they will be home and teaching.
Contact: Sarah Patterson at sfsarah@aol.com. (This is not a Street Yoga class).
Join Fluid Movement + Massage
February 4th to the 10th in beautiful Maui Hawaii for a healthy relaxing vacation in paradise!
Included in the price of this trip: - Daily movement classes - Pilates, yoga, strength/ cardio and chi gung
- Two massages per person
- All of your meals
- A Luau
- Snorkeling gear and plenty of beach time
You are responsible for your own airfare. Hawaiian Airlines flies direct from PDX to Maui (OGG) for $167 one way.
The cost of the trip is $1400. Your $300 deposit will secure your reservation.
To reserve your spot go to www.FluidMassage.com today!
(503) 705-4762 Anne@FluidPortland.com
Mention Street yoga and save $200 - total cost - $1200
.....................................
To place a Street Yoga Classified Ad that will go out to over 5,000 yogis around the country, please contact alice@streetyoga.org.
Ads are just $25. |
| | Falling in to Gratitude for you!
Street Yoga operates largely due to the generosity of volunteers and Street Yoga supporters like you. And like any operation, we are in need of a few items to support our growing Street Yoga team.
Needed:
- Multimedia projector
- Two laptop computers
- 2 Desk chairs
- 1 Standing lamp
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Vacuum
- Shelving built for storage unit
- Office supplies you need to get rid of!
Every donation is tax deductible! Please contact Alice if you have a donation, and for information. alice@streetyoga.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact Information
www.streetyoga.org
503-232-0362 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
