Introducing the DAYA Foundation

Posted May 9 2012

DAYA means mercy, or compassion, and is one of the ten yamas of yoga.
Our more contemporary “translation:” D elivering A ccessible Y oga A lternatives.

On April 19th, 2012, the DAYA Foundation registered with the state of Oregon as a nonprofit entity with a mission to develop yoga programs to serve both personal health and public health issues faced by so many in our community. We recognize that facing a period of medical vulnerability, illness, injury, post-operative rehabilitation, or progressive illness is a time when the practices of yoga become even more critical. Our public health issues, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, obesity, cardiovascular and heart diseases, and other culturally ubiquitous chronic illnesses, can be greatly aided by yoga. Yet many people feel too intimidated to walk into a yoga studio, think yoga is a luxury item, or have the perception that yoga is for “other people.” The DAYA Foundation aims to reach out to these persons and is developing programming to make yoga more accessible to and inclusive of them.

We will also be expanding our offerings for those living with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and osteoporosis, as well providing additional adaptive yoga classes.

We’ll be launching a Yoga Therapy Training Program in 2013 to help further the development of the yoga therapy field of practice for teachers, therapists, mental health workers, and other interested professions.

All of amrita’s morning classes, (both asana and strength conditioning, as well as adaptive yoga and ease into the spirit of yoga) will continue as usual. Our evening programming will be developed over the next few months and open for classes in the fall. Your punchcards and memberships will all continue to be valid in this transition.

Additionally, you will still see familiar faces at the front desk. Warren will transition to the Administrative Assistant of the DAYA Foundation; and Lindsay Magnuson will transition to teacher training and yoga therapy training program managers. Lilli, Maya and Kerstyn will support us through the front desk as well as behind the scenes with infrastructure support.

I’ll be maintaining all of my current classes as well as my work with private clients, the dharma study group, and the women’s courses that i teach. Some of these programs will be able to expand starting in the fall, which I’m very excited about.

Please join us on Sunday, May 20th from 12-1 pm for more information and for an opportunity for you to ask questions, meet the Board of Directors, and engage in the vision of the DAYA Foundation.