Resolution…How do you say that in Sanskrit?
Photo: Robin O'Neill
kRtasaMkalpa. It’s Sanskrit for “one who has formed a resolution.” (Yup, that is the kind of sh*t yogis say.)
I’ve always been a little hesitant of resolutions. The guilt one feels for not quitting smoking or not exercising every day for a year – it hurts the soul, man.
Alas, I have found an attainable goal. This year my resolution is twofold: give back more and do more yoga to find balance in my own life. So, what better way to do it than to combine the two?
I rang out the New Year on December 30 at the Yoga Jam, run by local yoga instructor, Erin Anderson. The regular events are held to raise money for the Africa Yoga Project, which helps empower at-risk African youth by introducing them to the healthy lifestyle and physical and mental benefits of yoga. The program trains Africans to become yoga instructors, and then, in turn, they become employed to teach in their communities to help bring a ray of light to those facing darkness.
“My favourite thing about the Yoga Jam Events in Whistler is the amazing vibe of community coming together in the spirit of giving and in play,” says Erin. “It’s an unusual yoga class because when we practice yoga for others there seems to be a dropping of seriousness and the mood becomes more playful and light. It’s fun.”
Photo: Darby Magill
The Yoga Jams take place every month or so at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre and are frequented by around 70 people. The atmosphere is upbeat with live DJs setting the scene for kids, tourists and locals sweating it out on their mats to a mash-up practice where multiple instructors take turns leading the class. There are even door prizes at the end.
Anderson, who owns White Gold Yoga, has a loyal following of yoga devotees with her light-hearted teaching style and specialized classes like Stiff Guys Yoga and Teen Yoga.
She recently visited Africa to teach classes and see the Africa Yoga Project in action first-hand. Anderson was joined by renowned action sport photographer, Whistlerite Robin O’Neill. You can check out more of Robin’s Africa photos here.
Photo: Robin O'Neill
“My biggest takeaway from Africa is that I saw and experienced is that yoga can empower others to give back. I saw a lit up group of youth who had once been living on a dangerous edge now leading others into self-awareness and health,” Erin explains. “They now reach out to the far corners of Africa and it’s changing lives. From what I saw, I take with me the possibility of empowering others to live big, to reach high and to change the world. Why not?”
Photo: Robin O'Neill
With passionate yoga leaders in the Whistler community, it’s hard not to feel inspired to take in all that yoga has to offer. In the spirit if giving and receiving, here is what yoga has given Erin:
“Yoga grounded me, gave me a place to come into true presence. Yoga brought me the ability to step into a big life from a very simple place. Yoga allowed me to give to myself so I can give to others.”
Well, if that’s not a good reason to check out the next Yoga Jam, I don’t know what is.
Stay connected
Yoga Jam Events Facebook Page
Africa Yoga Project on Facebook and Twitter (@AfricaYoga)
And more proof that one should never take themselves too seriously:
This is incredible. I did the yoga training a couple of years ago but haven’t really taught or practiced much since then. I have felt very “lost” in my life and my purpose, unhappy in my current career but very stuck (financially). I know I need to find my purpose – something that I love and something that will serve selflessly to others. I just don’t know what that is. Sometimes I feel yoga has something to do with it…this project seems amazing and incredible. Sometimes i do dream of owning a yoga studio and working with people suffering from depression, anxiety, body issues – themes very prevalent in my own life (but all so minor compared to the enormity of Africa obviously). Still, it seems impossible and but a dream for several reasons – financially most of all, location, etc. But this post here is so very inspiring – thank you for showing some are doing good in the world! And if you have any advice – do share
Dear Jenni,
Sorry it’s taken so long for me to respond! I’m so happy that the post inspired you and am truly thankful that you took the time to let me know.
It sounds like you’re really passionate about yoga and are not currently satisfied with the path your life is taking. My philosophy is that if you aren’t happy with your life, you have the power to change things. Shortly after this post was written I quit my job and moved away from Whistler in pursuit of a happier, more balanced life. To be truthful, yoga and meditation really helped me focus in on what I wanted to do. So – that is my advice! Use yoga to help you decide your next move. And maybe, it’s the key to your future.
A friend of mine has recently started up her own holistic healing business with yoga at the centre. Her area of focus is similar to your interest, which is using yoga and holistic healing to treat all sorts of disorders. You should check out the website (it should be launching very soon) : http://www.tulaholistichealth.com/
In just two short years, Liana went from doing her teacher training, to envisioning this business, to starting it. Her secret was setting the intention and then opening herself up to the universe to allow for the right things to unfold. She followed her passion for yoga and it’s taken her to a great place.
Good luck on your journey and do keep me posted on where it takes you!