By Penni Feiner, Executive Director of Kula for Karma
All over the world, people are blessed to experience the transformative effects of yoga and meditation.
But right in our own back yard, there are many communities that don’t have access to such powerful services.
Seven years ago, Geri Topfer set out to change that. She founded Kula for Karma, a nonprofit organization that brings therapeutic yoga and meditation to communities in need. Soon after, I came on to join her; and together with a volunteer base of over 500 certified yoga instructors, we have created over 300 programs, touching the lives of thousands of people in New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area.
The classes we’ve taught, the people we’ve met and the experiences we’ve had, have all been extraordinary blessings. And over the years, we’ve seen the medical community release an increasing amount of research proving the benefits of the programs we offer.
Yoga and meditation has been shown to decrease blood pressure, relax the nervous system, normalize endocrine function, and reduce anxiety and depression.
Today, we serve cancer patients, veterans, victims of domestic violence, at-risk youth, adults with special needs, caregivers, and so many more.
Our programs are free of charge.
And our partners include hospitals, special care facilities, and community centers. This past year, we were even able to release a Video Series for Veterans, allowing those experiencing post-traumatic stress to practice in the comfort of their own home.
One day, everyone will have access to yoga. We’re proud to be a part of getting us there.
To get involved:
- Bring integrative healthcare to those who need it most
- Send us an email
- Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter
Click to donate to Kula for Karma.
Penni Feiner completed her first 200 hour teacher training at Naturally Yoga in Glen Rock, New Jersey in 2004. Penni is a licensed Kundalini Research Institute-certified yoga teacher as well as a LifeForce Yoga® level II practitioner. Penni integrates sacred sound with movement, encouraging participants to open their hearts to explore their own inner song. Her Bhakti yoga experience includes studying with Jai Uttal, Snatam Kaur, and Guru Ganesha. Penni is Executive Director of Kula for Karma a 501©3 not for profit community of yoga teachers who offer yoga to people challenged by illness, abuse, neglect, addiction, and other life obstacles.
Photo: (provided by author)
Editor: Dana Gornall
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