Although Austin is known for its fitness-focused residents and general emphasis on health and well-being, a surprisingly high number of Austinites have yet to discover the restorative benefits of one of the oldest forms of exercise—yoga.
Community Yoga hopes to remedy this situation. Its mission is simple: To share the benefits of yoga with people who may not have experienced the practice before—at no cost to the student.
Founded by Alyson Fox and Jyl Kutsche in 2010, the non-profit hosts free yoga classes in places like Austin Children’s Shelter and the Travis County Correctional Complex as well as in various public schools throughout the city. By targeting a wide-ranging demographic with a variety of local partnerships, Community Yoga connects directly with Austinites who have not had access to the benefits of yoga, or just haven’t been made aware of the practice yet.
In an interview (posted on the Community Yoga website) with new CY Executive Director Blake Hall, Hall describes his personal approach to teaching, and the outlook he hopes to utilize in his new leadership position:
“I want to help students I work with realize that the real ‘peace’ everyone talks about actually begins within ourselves, and that through self-awareness, we can all learn to both love and respect ourselves. From there, the lid is completely off, and there are no limits as to what we can all accomplish in our lives. These are just simple life skills, and I’ve always had these feelings. I’m fortunate that my work with CY helps me express them. Of course, I’m also a student as well, and know that everything I teach also applies to me, and will help me continue to grow as well.”
The organization has attracted a similarly passionate group of teachers to spread the mission, working with students to introduce them to the practice. They also host a monthly fundraising event, "First Sunday,"partnering with local studios and likeminded businesses to teach a special donation-based class.
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Community Yoga is member of I Live Here, I Give Here. You can donate to Community Yoga directly from our site using the new donation tool below.