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Practice Yoga, Change Your World! #MoveForPeace Aims to Help Those in Need This Holiday Season

Posted by: broadwaybabyto    Tags:  #MoveForPeace, calgary, charity, domestic violence, high river, IGYoga, IGyogafam, rowan house, shelters, yoga, yyc    Posted date:  December 8, 2015  |  No comment



The holiday season is upon us once again, and while it is a time for celebration and togetherness, it is also a time where we should all reflect on everything that we have to be grateful for, and think about those who are experiencing tough times.  Those of us who live in Canada are fortunate in so many ways just due to where we live – and many of us experience abundance that others can only dream of.  Because of that I think it is important that we remember to give back, whatever way we can, and that is the entire idea behind #MoveForPeace.

It might be the worst kept secret ever that I’ve been ill for the last number of months, and I actively choose not to talk about it because I am focusing my energy on healing and on gratitude for all the wonderful things I still have in my life.  That said, when I first became ill I thought I had to give up yoga, which is one of the few things in my life that I make sure to always make time for and which helps me get through the tough days.

Thankfully the incredible people at my studio showed me that ANYONE can do yoga.  If you have physical limitations, if you’re sick, if you’re ‘not fit’…. it doesn’t matter.  There are modifications for every body, and everyone can benefit from the peace that practicing yoga can bring to your world.  So I have continued to practice.  Some days that’s nothing more than a meditation followed by a restorative practice, and on my good days, I can do more .

When Tanya Ryan told me about #MoveForPeace, I intuitively knew I had to get on board.  The concept was brilliant – use yoga to raise money and awareness for those in need.  The people I’ve met through my local yoga community are truly some of the brightest lights and most caring souls I’ve ever encountered, so it only made sense that they would want to help others.  Our specific Calgary community has chosen to focus on Rowan House – a shelter for women and children in High River, AB that offers a safe place when people have to flee domestic violence.

As someone who has had experience with domestic violence, I know how it can ruin lives.  It’s the little things that we often don’t think about, how these women have to leave their belongings, their pets, their everyday comforts and literally disappear in the middle of the night just to ensure their safety.  Often this means starting over completely, and from a place of fear, hurt and anxiety.

That’s where yoga comes in.  Yoga teaches us to be fearless.  Not in the reckless sense, but in the ‘live in each moment’ sense.  In the opening up your heart to a greater purpose and the possibility that the vast majority of people in this world are inherently good.  Many people forget that in times of trouble, and when we arrive on our mats we work to remember that.

So for 34 days I pledged to practice yoga every day (even if it’s just a seated meditation) and in doing so I’m spreading awareness for Domestic Violence and for Rowan House.  I also spoke to Tanya Ryan about why she decided to start this challenge and about how we can all help:

1. What inspired you to start #MoveForPeace?
I have been volunteering with the Rowan House for just over a year and November is Family Violence Awareness month – not to mention Christmas is around the corner. I wanted to do something that would create awareness of the Rowan House Shelter, help raise money before Christmas – and be something (fun) that others might want to get involved with! A yoga challenge seemed to be a natural fit.
2. What would you say to people who think that they can’t make a difference (either due to time, physical ability,financial situation etc)?
Everyone has the chance to make a difference! And with this challenge specifically I wanted to make it available to all. 20 minutes of your day to meditate or practice yoga and collect donations from your friends/family. Worst case scenario, even if you don’t get donations – if we get the Rowan House Shelter’s name out there we are still creating awareness!
3. What first inspired you to get into yoga and what positive effects did you find it had on your life? 
I started yoga because someone said it was ‘good for you’ – and I thought it was the worst! I was so terribly inflexible that everything felt awful. It took going to a workshop that sort of explained the mental aspects and the body acceptance that really got me on board. I found a lot of patience and perseverance through practicing yoga, it helps to understand that big changes can take time.
4. If you could tell the women who are currently suffering through domestic violence/abuse one inspirational thing – what would it be and why? 
That’s really tough. I don’t know that I could. I actually work with (teach yoga) some of the women that stay at the Rowan House and I can’t say that I offer much inspirational voicing. I just try my best to to provide a safe and comfortable space. However, I would tell anyone that’s gone through abuse that they themselves are inspiring. They are strong and courageous for making the choice to leave, especially when it can become so dark.

Please consider donating to help this shelter provide Happy Holidays for women and children throughout Alberta in need of a safe place to go.  You can contact me directly or donate using this link: www.rowanhouse.ca/donate 

If you donate consider commenting below, tweeting @broadwaybabyto or shouting from the rooftops – would love to know who’s on board! And remember, if you can’t donate you CAN raise awareness, use #MoveForPeace on social media and PRACTICE YOGA!

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