The now annual Yoga Reaches Out Yogathon, envisioned and "birthed" by Sarah Gardner, started in 2010 to support Boston Children's Hospital and other yoga and child related charities. That first year I had been working in a yoga studio whose owner, Sue Cushing, was involved in the planning. I was excited to attend and be part of what I expected to be a fun day of yoga for a good cause. What I discovered was an incredible, heart centered event, of which the yoga was just a small part; I have gone back every year since.
That first year, a longtime friend of mine's baby girl was getting heart surgery at Boston Children's Hospital to repair a heart defect. Holding her in my heart and mind while practicing that first year helped me feel like I could do something to support my friend, when otherwise my ability to do anything or be useful was really limited. Practicing yoga in Gillette Stadium's Field House with, at that time, around 500 other yogis, all holding the same intention of sending love and support to children and parents at the Hospital, was an experience that one can only describe as inspirational. The love and positivity was palpable that first year and part of what has brought me back, year after year.
About 7 years ago I started bringing a team from Lumina Mind Body Studios, the Lumina Lotuses. The team size has varied over the years, but I remain committed to this cause, as I see the good that has been done because of it. I feel a personal responsibility as part of the yoga community in Massachusetts to continue to support this cause; there is no other event that brings yogis together as a community for the good of others, like this one does. This is a beautiful example of Seva, or Selfless Service, which is one of yoga's core principles. Putting yoga in action for the good of the community is what Seva is all about.
The Yogathon aided in the creation of and is the sole supporter of the Wellness Center at Boston Children's Hospital that offers free yoga, meditation, massage, reiki, acupuncture and zumba to parents of children staying as inpatients at the hospital.
http://www.childrenshospital.org/patient-resources/health-and-wellness
I cannot imagine the stress that those parents experience, wondering if their sick child will be okay. I see what my friend has gone through every 6 months at his daughter's cardiac check ups, waiting to exhale with the knowledge that she has been cleared for another 6 months. To help fund these services, is something that I can do to make a difference, not just to him, but to the numerous parents whose children stay at that hospital every day. As an acupuncturist, I see the daily cost of life stress on the health of my patients. But a parent with a sick child, like those in residence at BCH, that is a whole different level of stress and anxiety. For them to receive even a little bit of support will help them be much more present for their child. As the saying goes, "you can't pour from an empty cup."
This year was my 9th year attending and it was the best year yet. There was a great selection of New England presenters, and Rod Stryker, who "headlined" was the real deal. He spoke from the heart and shared why he was there and what this type of event meant to him. He brought humor and humility to his teaching and encouraged us Northeasterners to venture out of our comfort zone and OM together. Almost 1200 people changing OM together is a rare and wonderful experience. It uplifts your spirit and opens your heart. On a day that was all about "upliftment" and openheartedness, it was truly special.
I look forward to next year's 10 Yogathon. Who knows what magic we will create?
Click here to see a short video about what the yogathon is all about. Maybe you will be inspired to join us next year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqlMsnxXYPQ&feature=youtu.be
In addition to being Director of Yoga at Lumina Mind Body Studios in Wayland and Natick, Janine is also a Licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist who practices at Integrative Therapeutics in Natick. To contact Janine, please email her at acuyogamama@hotmail.com.
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