Last November marked the beginning of Karma Yoga classes at the BLiSS Ann Green Yoga studio in support of New Path Youth and Family Services (New Path). Every Sunday evening since then a small group of yogis (both beginner and advanced) spend an hour practicing yoga and cultivating good karma in the dimly lit Lake Room, overlooking Kempenfelt Bay.
The idea was sparked by Maia Knauer, who is an Adolescent Outreach Worker at the New Path Barrie location as well as a Yoga Instructor at the BLiSS yoga studio. With a minimum $5 donation, participants not only reap the rewards of a practice that has been proven to reduce physical pain, lower stress, relieve hypertension and improve sleep. Their donation also goes directly back to helping New Path ensure access to mental health care for children, youth and their families.
“It’s a really great fit because I believe an important part of yoga practice is about service to others; being able to give back is all about taking care of each other and feeling connected. It feels good to ‘pay it forward’ and know that your actions can have a positive influence on another being,” says Knauer. “The Karma Yoga classes are a perfect way to blend positive service to others with the financial need that many children’s mental health agencies, like ours, have.”
Knauer has been practicing yoga since she was quite young, and on and off throughout her young adult life. She completed the 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher training with Bliss Ann Green Yoga from 2015 to 2016 which deepened her practice and encouraged her to live a life full of compassion for herself, and for other beings.
“The compassion and understanding that I continue to develop towards myself through yoga and mindfulness practices has increased my capacity for empathy towards the youth I serve. This also helps me connect with my colleagues and our community partners in a present, authentic way,” Knauer says. “I hope that I model for others a sense of peace and acceptance, regardless of the circumstance. If this resiliency rubs off on the people I come in contact with every day, I believe that I have done a good job!”
Karma yoga classes take place every Sunday from 5:30 – 6:30 at the BLiSS Ann Green Yoga Studio on 119 Dunlop Street East in Barrie.
Join Maia and other yogis and pay it forward through your attendance. Namaste!