This week’s riots in Baltimore will no doubt leave many wounds behind in the city – from broken windows to broken hearts. Despite the deep anger and fear that ravaged the city, there was also a great sense of peace that grew out of the chaos.
This week, a number of yoga studios, teachers and non-profit organizations are looking to assist with the future of peace in Baltimore, along with religious fellowships and community activists.
Anjali Sunita, owner of Baltimore Yoga Village, addressed her yoga community this week as a native Baltimorean reacting to the events, stating, “As I take this moment of pause to reflect on the state of our city, I must admit what I feel is a solid sadness but not a shock. Growing up in southwest Baltimore and attending school in Roland Park, I drove through impoverished neighborhoods twice daily and was very disheartened as a young girl by the inequalities of our city… Peaceful protests, unruly anger, sadness, offensiveness/defensiveness power plays escalating into this week’s riots and military action. As a human being full of emotion, I can relate on some level to every person involved. As a practitioner of yoga, I pray for us all to remember the heart of our practices, and to remember who we truly are before we jump to sides, conclusions, and reactivity. Let us pause and reflect on our blessings, privileges, and deep desires to be seen and heard. And may we use our practices to broaden our awareness, to touch on our own wounds, heal and act from love. May we continue to offer in each of our unique capacities to the greater good of our city residents, police force, business owners, every human being; Healing, health, and resources to all… May we grow outward as a community in love, non-reactivity, mindful and purposeful action.”
Peace has been missing in the affected neighborhoods for decades, however, the unpeaceful acts gave the city, as well as the nation, reasons to seek solutions for discussing the problems. What better way to seek peace, than to teach it through the practice of yoga, meditation and inner reflection.
Starting May 2 through May 8, a number of local yoga leaders and organizations are offering healing opportunities.
On May 2, starting at 11:30 a.m., the Holistic Life Foundation, Inc., will present a “B-More Love” group meditation event to increase peace and unity in Baltimore City. The meditation event will take place at the upper field between Robert W. Coleman Elementary School and Frederick Douglas Senior high School (at the corner of Smallwood Street and Windsor Avenue.) For more information call 410-235-4300 or email Ali@HLFINC.org.
Charm City Yoga will also be gathering the yoga community to raise the vibration of Baltimore during their “Yoga for Peace in Baltimore” event on Sunday, May 3, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., at their Federal Hill location. The event will feature Janice Ingson leading an all-levels vinyasa flow class while Kevin Paris serenades the practice with his live music.
Sid McNairy and Faith Hunter will be leading a “Roots. Rock. Reggae for Change” event to promote peace in Baltimore on Friday, May 8, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Sid Yoga Center [sidyoga.com] in Towson. The event will be donation based, and all funds raised will be donated to the No Boundaries Coalition – a resident-led initiative dedicated to deconstructing boundaries and reconstructing community.
All events are for all levels of practitioners. All you need is an open heart and a passion for peace in Baltimore and the world.