YOGA STUDENTS SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
A group of local yoga students raised $368 to donate to the local chapter of Relay for Life. The seven students, who practice with Rebecca Rivers of Northern Light Yoga in Canton, participated in a “breathe-a-thon” in which they set a goal for their yogic breathing practice and then collected sponsors. The breathe-a-thon was held during the most recent holiday season, a time when many people run themselves ragged, attending to the joys and obligations of the season. Rivers, who has a regular breathing practice of at least twenty minutes a day herself, says, “I wanted to do something for the community and this seemed like a way to encourage my students to help themselves at the same time. I figured that people run, walk, canoe and bike for charity. Why not do some conscious breathing?”. Anne Carberry of Canton, one of the participants, had this to say, “It was everything that was promised. I had more energy. I felt more peaceful. My memory was better and I felt much clearer mentally. I definitely want to continue with a daily practice.” Carberry herself raised $62 to support the cause. The decision to give the money to Relay for Life was made after one of Rebecca’s former students, Joan Staples, passed away in November of 2009. Some of the money is also being given in honor of two other yoga students who are currently undergoing cancer treatment. The local Relay for Life chapter is part of a national network that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Canton residents wanting to get involved with this year’s relay, to be held on June 11, 2010, should contact Paula Jones at 386-1909. The Northern Light Yoga Breathe-a-Thon will become an annual event with money rotating through different local charities each year. Rivers explains, “It is a yogic practice to give generously to others. We hope to continue to make a difference here in St. Lawrence County.” The fundraiser is open to all those who practice yoga or conscious breathing. To participate, contact Rebecca Rivers at 386-8461.