Winter Solstice Yin Yoga + Live Cello Fundraiser for The Yoga Foundation

June 21 is the International day of Yoga, first celebrated in 2015 when the Indian PM Narendra Modi passed a resolution to the UN General Assembly with the backing of 177 nations. It's also the winter solstice for us in the southern hemisphere, the shortest day of the year. It feels auspicious because yoga, like the sun can act as an awakening of light within us. 'Namaste' is often translated to mean 'the light in me, sees the light in you'.

To mark this day, we are holding a special event fundraiser to support young people recovering from trauma. The Yoga Foundation is a not for profit organisation that runs programs for marginalised communities. Anne from Inner West Yoga has proudly been offering classes to support vulnerable young people through The Yoga Foundation since 2020. All profits from this event will be donated towards research-based, trauma informed programs for teens who have experienced homelessness, family violence and abuse.

Yin yoga is an accessible practice, based on still body shapes that work to stimulate energy channels referred to as meridians. You will be guided into setting up these yoga shapes, and invited to hold them for three to five minutes, creating space for reflection and contemplation. During these quiet and still interludes, we will invite in the soothing sounds of a live solo cello, performed by Rachel Pogson. The cello is said to have a similar range to the human voice and convey emotions as invoked by human speech. You will practice in community but the experience will be completely personal, and unique to you.

Please bring a yoga mat, warm layers (maybe even a blanket) and get ready for an interesting journey inward.