Alluem Thanksgiving for Off the Mat into the World

We are so blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing community at Alluem Yoga. This Thanksgiving Benefit Class was held for Off the Mat Into the World, a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging yoga and activism, founded by Seane Corn, Hala Khouri, and Suzanne Sterling...

"The season of giving is upon us! Make a difference in the life of a Haitian affected by a natural disaster by donating whatever you can to Off The Mat Into The World as entry for this class. All proceeds will go directly to Haiti. Each year, OTM sponsors an international service project called the Global Seva Challenge. The Global Seva Challenge is a transformational journey that builds community, provokes critical consciousness about global issues of social justice and equity, and raises significant funds to support communities in crisis. In our first two years, the Global Seva Challenge has raised over one million dollars for NGO’s in Cambodia and Uganda and has left a powerful legacy in the communities we have served. In 2010 our Seva Challenge will be focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and education in South Africa. Haiti is our 2011 focus. I am participating in the 2011 Seva Challenge to raise $20,000 through collaborating with my local community. Upon reaching my fundraising goal, I will embark on the Bare Witness Tour, a journey to Haiti where I will spend two weeks working directly with the organization your funds support. I believe that giving is essential to cultivate the soul. Although this invitation to Haiti comes with a price tag, I believe that money is not enough. Money can be earned, gotten and rewarded. But empathy and love can not be bought. I will go and love with my own heart, give with my own hands and speak with my own words. More importantly, I will not fix but listen and love and do what ever I can to help and empower the Haitian community. Please help me embark on this journey and I promise you I will bring back real stories about how you helped people less fortunate than us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. love and gratitude, gina"

Attendance was awesome and the energy was incredibly moving! Among the students was one of my Alluem Kids who attended with her mother. It was her first adult class and she rocked it! I am so proud to see my students want to further their practice! Even more, having her be a part of something as inspiring as Off the Mat into the World will hopefully have a hand in encouraging to take her yoga practice that much further...off the mat and into the world.
Enjoy the video from the class!