Everyone knows that yoga benefits the person who steps on to the mat to practice. You leave the studio feeling more grounded and connected to the world around you. But what if your yoga practice could also benefit a Twin Cities senior citizen this holiday season? On December 7, 2019, it can.
Chair yoga, tea and connection
Every Thursday morning Nichole Vesperman, studio manager at The Yoga Center Retreat, leads a group of seniors in a chair yoga practice at their apartment complex in St Paul. After class the group gathers around a table for tea. Laughter and stories are shared around that table, and so are losses and sadness. The seniors come for the yoga and stay for the community.
Many elders are at risk of isolation that can lead to loneliness, especially at the holidays. In December, the Gifts for Seniors non-profit organization will provide a personal gift to each of the participants in Nichole’s class. The holiday gifts, the personal contact, and the weekly yoga classes all work to reduce isolation in our community.
A yoga community making change, one yoga class at a time
Wondering how you can help a local senior this holiday season? You can donate a gift for a senior and drop it off at the donation collection barrel in the boutique at the The Yoga Center Retreat or take a drop-in yoga class on December 7, when all drop-in class proceeds will benefit the Gifts for Seniors program.
Wondering what kinds of gifts a senior might like? Check out the Gifts for Seniors wish list.
Take a yoga class on December 7 and make a senior’s holiday a little brighter >>
Who can say no to these faces?
Nichole says, “This photo was taken in December 2018 as we opened gifts together after yoga class. It took a couple tries and I had to explain how to take a group selfie, but first I had to explain what a selfie was!”