Asheville Yoga Center Supports Our VOICE in April
We love rolling out our mats, connecting with ourselves and learning from the wisdom of instructors in class. But yoga is so much more than just the practice of poses and a time to work on personal growth. The principles set in yogic tradition are the real gems of the practice. They are what nurtures us and sets us on track to how we should treat ourselves and others in this human life.
A common principle embedded in the core of yoga life is that of ahimsa, which means causing no harm of any kind, not only through actions, but through words and thoughts as well. This principle of kindness encompasses all things. Ahimsa pertains to how you treat your body, the earth, animals and especially other people. Not only is it rewarding, but there are numerous benefits associated with showing kindness.
Being Kind Makes You Feel Good
Have you noticed that when you do something kind for someone else, you end up feeling better too? This isn’t just a coincidence. Acts of kindness boost your serotonin, the neurotransmitter that releases feelings of satisfaction and well-being. They also release endorphins in the same way that exercise does, so you feel that “euphoric high”.
Make goals to volunteer, help someone in need or buy a coffee for a stranger and see how one act of kindness can make your day just that much brighter.
Kindness is Heart Healthy
Showing kindness to those around you can even boost your heart health. Christine Carter, author of “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful Kids and Happier Parents” writes:
“People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week.”
Show kindness towards someone else and keep yourself healthy too! It’s just that simple.
AYC Shows Ahimsa in April
Asheville Yoga Center will be partnering with Our VOICE to continue its Charity of the Month project through April and to help raise awareness during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Our VOICE is a non-profit crisis intervention and prevention agency which serves victims of sexual violence, age 13 through adulthood, in Buncombe County. Their mission states, “In the pursuit of a community that is free of sexual violence, Our VOICE serves all individuals in Buncombe County affected by sexual assault and abuse, through counseling, advocacy and education.”
Please join us on Thursday, April 25 for a drop-in or community class. Ten percent of these sales will be directly donated to Our VOICE to support their work within our community. If you are unable to make a class and still want to support this cause, donation boxes will be available in the Studio and Boutique from April 1-31.
