If I was asked to flee my home and take only three things I would take my journal, my wedding ring, and my yoga mat. Given, obviously, that my children, cat, and husband are also fleeing alongside me. (Honey, that’s in *no particular order*, of course.)
Upon moving to the Magic City, one of the first orders of business in my Birmingham-immersion was to find a few fellow OM-lovin’ friends. Much to my delight, over the course of almost three years I’ve run in to an incredibly diverse and powerful community of local teachers and students. It’s a good thing. I’m finding plenty of prana here in Jones Valley.
And here’s something you should be aware of…
Coming next month, in September, Birmingham yogis will participate in they city’s 6th annual Global Mala Yoga for Peace Project. The month’s festivities will culminate on the morning Saturday, September 22, under the shadow of Vulcan. Here’s a little more info from the organizers:
This FREE event brings together the community to join in the moving meditation of 108 sun salutations while raising awareness for world peace, community wellness and the power of selfless service. Global Mala is an international event that calls upon the symbol of the mala, a garland constructed of 108 beads that is used during meditation, to signify the power a group can harness when individual intentions are each linked for the same cause.
The event is presented by Sweet Om Alabama, a community service collective of yoga teachers, yoga students and yoga studio owners whose mission it is to unite yoga practitioners in service for the greater good and to bring the benefits of yoga to those in the community that might not have access to them due to location, income or accessibility. This year, Sweet Om Alabama will devote this practice of service to Alabama Possible to aid the Alabama Poverty Project (APP) in its mission to reduce systemic poverty and its root causes across Alabama. APP educates Alabamians about poverty, motivates colleges and faith-based institutions to engage in poverty-reduction activities and advocates for fact-based policy decisions.
What’s better than yoga with a cause?!
Throughout the month, local studios and teachers will offer a wide array of events to celebrate National Yoga Month and to raise awareness and funding for Sweet Om Alabama and Alabama Possible. {For a complete list of events, jump here and stay tuned in as September draws closer.}
I hope I’ll see you all striking your best downward dog on September 22! Kids are welcome. No experience necessary. Just bring a mat, water, and good intention. Let’s shower our city with some peace, love, and understanding, shall we?
Namaste, y’all.
