Seeing some of the horrific images this week coming out of the Syrian refugee crisis, I have been truly haunted. I’ve found myself in tears more than a couple of times. It’s hard to believe that while our lives here go on day-by-day, the planet is in the midst of one of its greatest humanitarian disasters. Every day, thousands of Syrians are fleeing towards Europe in hopes of a normal life – a life void of fear. These are Syrians from all walks of life; doctors who once had normal practices and family lives, and children torn from their homes because they were no longer safe. It makes me want to squeeze my little Kai closer. I have more gratitude for a roof over our heads, food on the table, and a feeling of safety – the simple things I often take for granted.
This morning before leaving for my classes at Yoga Yard I was thinking to myself, what can we do here in Beijing to help? Not as much as we’d like to, obviously, but we can do something. After the earthquakes in Nepal, we saw a lot of groups of people banding together to make a difference and I’m happy to report that I’m starting to see the same thing happening the people of Syria. This Saturday, September 5, a pop up yoga class will be held in Ditan Park led by yoga teacher, Yonnie Fung. Yonnie is an incredible women, a new mother, and an experienced yoga teacher: one of the best in Beijing actually!
100 percent of class fees will be donated to Medicin Sans Frontiers, an NGO providing medical assistance in Syria and its borders. You can read more about the work they are doing here. See details on the yoga class below.
When: Saturday, September 5. 9:30-11am
Where: Ditan Park South gate (the main gate just across the ring road from Lama Temple. The nearest subway station is Yonghegong Lama Temple on Lines 2 and 5)
Cost: RMB 180. Every fen will be donated.
Contact: To participate, Email yogawithyonnie@gmail.com or add Yonnie on WeChat. Username:yogawithyonnie. Please let Yonnie know if you have any injuries or conditions she should be aware of.
Be sure to bring your own yoga mat, water, and 2 RMB for park entry. All levels are welcome from beginners to level 6 Ashtanigi.
Also, Yoga in The Park will be held this Sunday, September 6 from 9:30-11:30am. The beautiful yogini Tuya and I will be teaching the class. Pray pollution is below 200 as class will be cancelled in the case of rain or if AQI is over 200. The class is free, however, we will collect donations for the same organization. How much you are able to donate is up to the practitioner. Afterwards, we will head to brunch at Moka Bros in Solana and enjoy a 15 percent discount. No sign-up is necessary, just show up! Add me on WeChat if you intend to come. WeChat ID: TheresaRae.
Photo: Courtesy of Yoga in the Park
