Yoga Can Offer Veterans an Alternative Approach
Goodwill Manasota is partnering with Garden of the Heart Yoga Center’s Karma Yoga Program to offer free yoga and meditation sessions, held every Thursday from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., for veterans and their families at the Goodwill Community Room on 5150 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
“Yoga therapy can aid recovery and promote resilience among veterans and their families,” said Christopher Davis, program manager for Goodwill’s veterans’ initiative.
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The yoga classes began in February as a seven-week introduction class, but due to its popularity, it is now ongoing. Open to all veterans and their immediate families, the class is taught by Cheryl Chaffee, director of Garden of the Heart Yoga Center. She is a highly trained yoga teacher and yoga therapist and was voted the best yoga teacher in Sarasota. To register, please email Harriet Roberts at harriet@gardenoftheheartyoga.com or call 941.341.9781.
Warriors at Ease is a yoga and meditation program developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense. A growing number of veterans and healthcare professionals are discovering that the age-old practice of yoga and meditation offers an effective way to deal with the physical and emotional pain of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), combat stress, depression and traumatic brain injury. Yoga is far more than an exercise program – it’s a full mind-body discipline that can improve the life of every veteran, from World War II veterans to service members just returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.
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“While there are various treatments for PTSD, many soldiers are using yoga as a complementary and alternative approach to help calm their senses,” said Davis. “These sessions further enhance our mission of assisting veterans to transition into civilian life.”
Yoga & Meditation Sessions
- Date: Thursday
- Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
- Address: Goodwill North Trail Community Room - 5150 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
- Registration: harriet@GardenoftheHeartYoga.com
- Attire: Wear comfortable clothing. Mats and props are provided.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2013, we served more than 16,000 people, placed 537 people in jobs and assisted 329 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $39.3 million. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill has provided opportunities through such programs as Donated Goods Employment Services, Job Connection, American Veterans & their Families Initiative, JobsPlus, Supported JobsPlus, GoodwillWorks, White Glove Services, Good Neighbor Program and Ambassadors Program. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 37 million pounds out of the landfill. Goodwill Manasota is legally organized under the laws of the United States and the State of Florida. We are accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is NOT owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.EXPERIENCEGOODWILL.ORG.
