Font ResizeGROTON -- Start the new year off right, take care of yourself and give to others less fortunate. That is what Anne Dries, local yoga instructor, has in mind. She has organized a community yoga class to benefit Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 3-4:30 p.m., at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School's Black Box Theater.
Donations are being accepted in lieu of a class fee, with 100 percent be given to charity. Each participant is asked to give a monetary donation of cash or check (made out to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Inc.) which will be accepted at the event.
Hoping to attract people who have been wanting to try yoga or break away from a gym routine, Dries will offer a basic yoga class that will build strength, increase flexibility and muscular endurance, as well as integrate the practice of meditative breathing and mindfulness. "Yoga trains both the body and mind, and provides a balance to reach one's happiest and healthiest potential," said Dries.
The 90-minute class is geared to adults, 16 years and older, all levels. It will be taught in the Vinyasa style with breathing exercises, sun salutations, standing and sitting postures, ending with a guided meditation. The class will be taught to music and the playlist will be "spiritual and uplifting," added Dries.
According to WebMD, yoga improves flexibility and you are never too old, unfit or tight to do yoga. Yoga works by safely stretching muscles that releases
The entire class will be taught by several certified yoga instructors, including Dries, from local area studios, New England Yoga, Santosa Yoga, Yoga For Daily Living and Budda Nest Yoga (Dries), who will add their varied style and training. According to Dries, it was easy to find fellow teachers to participate and give their time to the event. She simply asked if they would like to volunteer for this great cause and have fun at the same time. "It is not hard to find yoga instructors who abound with philanthropic energy!" said Dries, who has been planning the event for months.
Thrilled to be participating as an instructor, Lisa Bender, from Groton, said that yoga promotes healthy choices even off the mat, giving focus and mental clarity while increasing flexibility.
Pre-registering is recommended to ensure a place in the class, but drop-ins will be welcomed as space allows. Register by emailing Dries at buddhanestyoga@verizon.net with Community Yoga Class in the subject line. You will receive a waiver form which you can return by email. Each person is requested to bring a yoga mat and water.
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry Inc., 234 Barnum Road, Devens, provides food, clothing and temporary services to residents of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton and Shirley. For information about the pantry, go to www.loavesfishespantry.org.
