Breathe Yoga and Meditation Center Breathing Generosity into the Community

Breathe Yoga and Meditation Center, led by instructors Joanne Keane and Lisa Corbett, offered free yoga classes to the public in the month of May in recognition of mental health awareness. Due to the overwhelming response they received they have extended that opportunity.

“Our mental health is so important. An individual’s psychological well-being is directly related to our happiness and productivity, and that affects the community as a whole,” stated Joanne.

According to Web MD, yoga is practiced by more than 36 million people in America. The most common form of yoga practiced in the U.S. is hatha yoga, which combines both physical poses and mindful breathing. The use of yoga helps a person physically by improving their balance, flexibility, range-of-motion, and strength. Mentally, yoga helps release mood boosting chemicals in the brain such as: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. This can help with lessening depression, relieving stress, easing anxiety, and improving strength. 

“We are offering yoga classes to the public, with a free will offering, every Tuesday and Thursday night, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 1551 Indian Hills Drive, Building C, Second Level. It is part of the Boys and Girls Home and Family Services’ new Ginny Peterson Behavioral Health Campus,” said Joanne. 

The Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions are open to the public. Staff and residents of the Boys and Girls Home also have the opportunity to take advantage of the Yoga classes and studio, at separate classes and times.

 “The free will donations may be in any amount. It is important to us that no one be excluded due to finances. Everyone is welcome. All proceeds collected will go directly to the Boys and Girls Home,” explained Lisa.

The Boys and Girls Home received a grant from the Delta Dental Foundation. The Foundation was looking for innovative programming to support mental wellness.

“The Boys and Girls Home president and CEO Art Silva approached us with his vision to start a yoga program. We replied with great enthusiasm and gratitude!  The Boys and Girls Home graciously provided a beautiful new studio with all of the equipment needed. All you need to bring is yourself and an open heart and mind!” said Lisa. She also suggests wearing comfortable clothing for the class.

Joanne and Lisa are both certified Yoga instructors, RYT (Registered Yoga Teachers) with 200 hours of training. They are also both registered members of Yoga Alliance.

“Yoga is for everyone! We teach the foundations of yoga. Even if you’ve never tried yoga before, we welcome you to join us,” said Joanne.

“We begin with teaching mindful breathing, long even inhales, long even exhales. Next we incorporate breathing with the poses. Lastly, we wind down with Savasana, which is a resting and meditation period. It is basic, gentle yoga, with emphasis on stretching and balance. It is mind meditation through visualization,” explained Lisa.

For more information, or to answer any questions about the classes, please contact Mary Pickens at the Boys and Girls Home and Family Services, 712-293-4919, or pickensm@bghome.net.

By Amy Buster

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