10/11/2018
Volunteering builds great character traits like Humility, Graciousness, Patience, Empathy, Compassion and most important a sense of life purpose. I highly recommend it for everyone to volunteer locally or globally in any capacity, but helping another human is most rewarding.
When the transgender women with whom we have a twice weekly program thanks to The Palette Fund were suddenly moved from a men's jail to the women's jail at the opposite end of town, we managed to keep the classes going with the help of two teachers Lisa Schiller and Ryan LeMere, who made the far less convenient trek to the new location on a new time schedule and continue teaching. I am beyond grateful for the new teachers who have joined and made sure the women were never without their precious yoga class. Thank you Michelle Mantia, Yamil Sarabia and Evan Sun for going in today.
If you were to find yourself trapped, experiencing what may be your life's absolute lowest point, what do you think you might need? In my childhood, I was in such a place. I kept waiting for someone to come and bring me hope. That person never came. This is why I founded this organization, why I know what is needed and why I am so passionate about this work.
Our yoga teachers enter dark places to offer hope. They show respect and kindness where no one else does. And yes, we also may meditate, do yoga and relaxation. But first comes the human connection, which gives meaning to everything and defines all our experiences in life.
