It’s no secret that Meghan Markle is a huge fan of yoga.
The royal bride-to-be has been practicing it from a young age (seven!) thanks to her mother, Doria Ragland, a social worker and yoga teacher. And while we can’t speak for Prince Harry‘s warrior one pose, one thing he definitely shares with his fiancée is a commitment to helping others.
Whether your own interest in yoga stems from royal intrigue, a desire to find balance (both physically and mentally) or simply a way to escape the kids for some much-needed ‘me’ time, we’re in favour as regular yoga has been known to assist the body and the mind in an array of positive ways from reducing stress to helping lower blood pressure and improving core strength and flexibility.
One Sydney-based charity, The Yoga Foundation, wants to go further however, bringing yoga — and its many benefits — to not just fully paid-up yogis, but also disadvantaged people experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses who can’t access yoga easily.
Currently The Yoga Foundation offers programs for victims of domestic violence — equipping them with techniques to increase coping skills — refugees and migrant women — teaching them how to use breath and movement to support their mental and physical wellbeing — people with long-term mental illnesses and Youth Off The Streets. Future classes include deaf yoga and a program supporting Aboriginal yoga teachers aiming to bring classes to at-risk Aboriginal communities throughout NSW.
There’s little doubt that this local gem deserves as much attention and acclaim as the many charities supported globally by the royals — and that’s where you come in.
To donate or get involved, head to The Yoga Foundation and find out how you can contribute to future yoga classes that will change lives in more way than one.
Brought to you by The Yoga Foundation. Transforming lives one step at a time.
