Volunteerism

February 2020

Volunteerism will bring many hidden benefits to your life.

Every Thursday I go to jail. I’m lucky because I come home at the end of the day. When I received my yoga teacher certification in 2016, it felt as though a missing piece of my teaching puzzle was put into place. I could share my love of mindful movement with others. My mat became a magical carpet that took my body and mind to new horizons. I could explore new possibilities with my breath and spirit. Slowly, it began to dawn on me that there was a limited demographic in my wheelhouse. Was it possible to share these amazing postures with people who were less fortunate, who didn’t have the disposable income to spend on yoga? Could I teach in jail?

Shortly after I started having this desire to broaden my scope of yoga students, a Prison Yoga Training was offered not far from my home. Within a weekend, I realized it would be possible to teach people who are incarcerated. My teacher, James Foxx, has been teaching at San Quentin for 25 years. Instead of hearing stories about the dangers involved in going into prisons and jails, we listened to how one person becomes the “big brother or sister” of the teacher and helps keep people focused, explains about activities that have gone on that might be affecting the inmates, and helps to clean and roll up the mats at the end of class. 

I’ve been teaching at the local jail here in Montana. For now, I teach the women and would like to expand to teaching men as well. Every class is different. Sometimes the students are quiet and attentive and others they’re chatty and laughing. It reminds me that yoga doesn’t have to be an austere practice with everyone silent and inward-looking. The women are so appreciative of each class. The opportunities for quiet reflection are rare in jail. When we focus on ways to let things not bother us, it feels as though they’re listening on a level that’s different than in the general population.

What if you could feel healthier, improve your mood, have more sense of purpose, and lower your stress levels and it wouldn‘t cost anything, doesn’t involve a gym membership and it won’t add calories. These are some of the benefits of volunteerism. Which organization would you choose as the recipient of your time?

As the saying goes, 90% of life is showing up. Be reliable and a relationship builds over time. Be generous with your time and see what happens. Fulfillment, a sense of purpose, new friends, confidence, live life to the fullest – these are some of the benefits of volunteering. Share your skills, wisdom, and time with others. You’ll get more than you give.

There are 168 hours in a week. What I am talking about today can take only one hour a week. What you do with the remaining 167 hours in your week is up to you!

Much Love,

Kathy

Owner+Founder ARAY Wellness Coaching

www.araywellness.com

406-224-5000