A passion for transforming lives through yoga

"I have come to believe that the only path to peace in my own life is to nurture others by giving of myself freely and unconditionally through service and love. The more I am able to listen to the inner voice of my heart and soul, the closer I am to the magic and purpose of my life here on earth. Yoga turns up the volume which allows me to hear and gives me the voice which allows me to sing! I look forward to this open road ahead as I begin my teacher training at Naturally Yoga and continue on my journey of self discovery and growth while I dive deeper into my relationship with Kula for Karma. I am filled with humble gratitude for the sweet blessings that surround me."

- Lynda Ferrara, Kula for Karma Volunteer

Lynda Ferrara, who's passion for transforming lives through yoga, is the first annual scholarship recipient of the "Turn Passion Into Action!" Teacher Training Scholarsip. For more information about the Kula for Karma Teacher Training Scholarship Program, email us at: info@kulaforkarma.org

I am most honored...

"I am most honored to witness the children's willingness to experience yoga through breath work, movement, postural fun, games, inventions, partner yoga, massage and meditation. Our time together to connect in many ways is most precious because the child freely receives what yoga offers. Allowing them a safe place to open to a deeper state of relaxation, rejuvination, exploration and discover that they are the embodiment of divinity and perfection."

- Cristy Sycip, Circus Yoga Instructor

How often do we hear "I can't do yoga?"

"How often do we hear "I can't do yoga?" To one of us, that's like saying "I can't do breathing." Like at the Ronald McDonald camp, we gently lay a child on the ground whose legs don't straighten, and explain to him that his yoga is just on a different plane, his warrior I is on his back. I'll never forget his smile — or the song of peace he sang at the talent show…The sound late at night, as the day winds down, the gentle sounds of the kids actually doing long, slow deep relaxing belly breathing. Being able to help put themselves to sleep, having something to help calm, soothe themselves in a world that is out of their control; something that they can use when they are terrified and feel small and sick and alone; a comforting, quieting way to ease their way that also brings back memories of the woods, the friends, the food, the joy of the place and time when they were just another kid having a terrific time at camp."

- Caren Patterson, Yoga Instructor

the most memorable experience of my life

The 3rd week in August I had perhaps the most memorable experience of my life. A whole week at Ronald McDonald Camp in the Poconos. When I was 6 years old, my mother sent me to summer camp in the Poconos and I was the youngest kid in camp. This year I may have been the oldest "kid" at camp! There is an unexplainable magic when 120 volunteers gather to greet 190-some children, who have spent much of their young lives battling a disease the very mention of which is terrifying to adults. I knew the experience would be emotional. What I did not anticipate was the overwhelming feeling of love all around for that entire week — everyone smiling and greeting each other, a pervasive absence of judgments and criticism. The children were all beautiful. They were spirited and enthusiastic. Some were amazingly gifted. We saw
[a girl], who had suffered from cancer from age 3, who had 4 different kinds of cancer, including severe facial distortion, come out of her shell - to dance, to jump into deep water, and to be a champion with the hula hoop! We saw [a boy], age 17, of small stature, break his own record climbing the crates - reaching 18 on the 18th of August. [Another boy] put down his crutches to do yoga, and in the talent show, sing like an angel the most beautiful song about his life. And these are only a few examples of the courage, the joy that resonated through that unforgettable week. I hope to make that 3rd week in August an annual ritual. Giving to these children is such
a gift!

- Maia Rahill, Yoga Instructor