Yoga asks us to live a life of nonviolence (ahimsa in sanskrit). And ahimsa doesn’t just mean physical violence.
It means refraining from participating in or condoning mental, emotional, environmental, and community violence. Right now our nation is plagued by violence on so many levels, and many of us who want this to change are at a loss for what to do. Here at Arise, we don’t just embody the tenets of yoga in the studio; we model them off the mat and out in our communities. In the past, that’s looked like monetary donations to organizations we believe in, holding special benefit classes or nationwide meditation sits, and of course - holding space for joy in our neighborhoods.
But this moment calls for more action. And as much as we might have ideas about what to do to change the atmosphere towards one of service, kindness, justice, and peace - we also know that our community is full of people with a diverse amount of experience, ideas, and skills.
Free Community Gathering – We’re offering our space for a community gathering to brainstorm and come up with ways for all of us to get involved and make a difference.
Childcare and kids yoga for little ones ages 2-12 – Parents, feel free to bring your kiddos! We’ll have a kids room all set up in our downstairs studio, and one of our teachers will be offering kids yoga down there, along with the help of some incredible childcare providers.
Potluck lunch – We also encourage the cooks in the community to bring along a dish, so we can all be fed while we discuss ideas.
Food pantry donation – Alongside that, we’ll have a donation bin for any food staples in your pantry to donate after the event.
We need all of us to speak out when there’s injustice. To hold government accountable when they begin to step outside the bounds of service, and into a more terror-filled agenda. If you feel moved to act, or even just to support those acting, please join us.
FREE: This event is free and not limited to Arise students, so please invite your friends, loved ones, and neighbors.