Hopeful Yoga

I am at times in awe of my dear friend, and her determined political activism even though she often finds herself facing those elements of society that make it its most miserable. I'm not that strong. I really haven't the emotional energy to take on city counsellors, chiefs of police, and the administrative bourgeoisie that think arresting squeegee kids will fix all the urban decay.

On the other hand, I also feel determined that one should do what they can. Despite my recent move to become an upscale urban condo dweller, I don't believe in shutting oneself off inside your tower and leaving the less fortunate to scavenge your dumpsters. So I give money. I try to support local organizations with my limited free time to volunteer. And every now and then I come across something that suits my craving for both inner and communal peace while making strides to make the world better for someone, if even in a small way.

Yesterday I spent a few hours, after doing a small amount of fundraising, at the second annual Yoga For Hope day. For lack of a less laughable way to describe it, it's a 12-hour "yoga-a-thon". If you can imagine a roomful of Yoga students all chanting "om" together as a "thon". It really is a lovely event.

Hopespring Cancer Support Centre is a community organization which runs two resource centre locations providing resources, counselling, support, and wellness programs to those living with cancer and their loved ones. It's a small organization. It doesn't get the airplay that THE Cancer Society or even cancer centres at hospitals do, but it works to make a difference. One of Hopespring's key wellness programs is Yoga classes, offered free of charge to their clients. Yoga For Hope invites Hopespring clients, staff, friends and family to come together, raise funds and awareness, and have a healing day of community. I'm fortunate to not be directly affected by cancer (so far!!) though I got involved through my Yoga teacher, who has been.

I don't have the final total yet, but Yoga for Hope last year raised thousands to support this community program. Judging by the attendance and activity, they probably did better this year. I managed to gather $250 this year, and will be able to double that to $500 as I found my employer's Donation Matching program will match my funds raised, just not my own donation.

I'm not really writing this to be smug about yesterday's accomplishments. I'm writing more to remind myself, and any of you reading, that even though some of the determined accomplishments of others may make us wonder what good we ourselves can do, that every time you reach out, someone may be touched, and for the better. That every little thing can help.