a simple vision
Our founder, Geri Topfer, Board President, created Kula for Karma with a simple vision of offering yoga to those among us whose spirit has been challenged by illness, abuse, neglect, addiction, and other life obstacles.
Kula for Karma began as a network of yoga instructors
and community leaders who donate their time and talents
to those in need in our community. Kula for Karma
is on the forefront of addressing challenges of those who
engage with and contribute to very fabric our community
and society.
Geri's original vision and dreams have since then branched out to encompass all that Kula is today. The need for our services is irrepressible and the focus of our vision is to continue her desire to grow to serve all who come to us, asking for acceptance, love, and support.
As
Geri's vision unfolded, and began to be fulfilled through
the work of our Kula angels, she and Penni Feiner created
an innovative and distinctive Teacher Training Module,
which was developed to ensure that each population served
was instructed in such a way that reflects and embraces
the uniqueness of their experience.
The
Kula for Karma Teacher Training Module emphasizes
the need to have an awareness of our own physical
presence and be conscious of the way that may effect
the population we are working with. Being present,
compassionate, and understanding is of utmost importance.
Here's just a few of the additional principles behind this innovative approach:
- Meet the participants where they are, physically, emotionally, and spiritually
- Practice flexibility of mind, body and spirit
- Demonstrate patience, tolerance, and acceptance
- Create of a "safe container" and cultivating that feeling
- Read the energy in the room
- Be sensitive to the needs and limitations of the participants
- Recognize the power of your own words
- Engage the staff valuable part of the healing process
- Build community by sharing poems, writings, and chants
The uniqueness of the Kula for Karma Teacher Training Module is the emphasis on caring, feeding, and preserving the soul of those who've been broken. However, for those who practice with vulnerable populations, it's important to be aware of one's own reactions and emotions to their practice, and how to nurture on one's own soul, find a respite when necessary, and draw upon restorative powers in their own experience.
At Kula for Karma, our desire is to help each person identify the process of creating a Karmic Opportunity in their own community and harnessing the confidence to cultivate it.
Second Chakra,
Swadhisthana
"I flow with the rhythms of life"
Location: Four fingers below
navel
Element: Water
Color: Orange
Issues: Intimacy and emotions
Balanced: Healthy sexuality
Areas of Body: Reproductive and Pelvic area
Heath Problems: Reproductive
Yoga Postures: Hip openers stabalization, forward bends