Remember, if you ever need a helping
hand, you'll find one at the end of your
arm... As you grow older you will discover
that you have two hands. One for helping
yourself, the other for helping others.
-Audrey Hepburn
At the beginning and end of every class, we
put our hands together in Namaste,
close our
eyes and think of things that we appreciate.
When I open my eyes and release my hands, I
do so with the thought of spreading good
fortune out into the world.
Sources:
At least once a week, my parents sit in
front of me in a morning class and at the end
of class when I unfold my hands it is my wish
that everyone be blessed with the love and
support that I receive from them. This week
I can do more
than wish. My mom's seventy-ninth birthday
is on Saturday, October 25, and I'd like to
celebrate it by holding a FREE YOGA CLASS at
10:00am. It will be open to all-levels of
yoga and not for women only (as is our
regular Saturday 10am class). Donations to
the Food Bank will be accepted in lieu of a
class fee.
Hawaii's food banks are struggling
to keep their shelves stocked these days.
Food donations
to the banks have lessened while more food
has been going out the door. Hawaii
wholesalers and retailers account for over
75% of the foods donated to the Food Bank,
but as the Maui Food Bank Executive Director
put it, "Stores don't have as much back stock
inventory", which means that stores have less
to donate.(1) Community food drives bring in
some 12% of the total but with thousands
moving to the receiving end of the line, Food
Bank warehouses are low on supply.
Listed as the Top 5 Most Wanted food
items are:
A representative from our local food
bank said they also take produce, peanut
butter and packaged meals such as macaroni &
cheese and cereals. Since they are not open
on the weekend, please limit your
contributions on Saturday to non-produce
items. My mom
spent her work-life in food service and
though retired now, continues to volunteer
her time in the community. What better way to
celebrate her birthday than to help others put
food on the table?
We'll be giving away prizes (yoga class
passes, acupuncture, massage, Amazon.com gift
certificate, etc.) instead of birthday
sweets. Come see how I deftly manage to
incorporate drawing for prizes in a yoga
class! If you're not able to make it to
Birthday Yoga this Saturday, please consider
donating to your local Food Bank with a Happy
Birthday, Clara wish. She'll feel it!
(1) Maui
Food Bank shelves going bare. Honolulu
Advertiser.
Photo: Inner
Still