When we started teaching yoga in juvenile hall, we discovered so many survivors and beautiful young women that gave me the passion to keep bringing yoga love and care into communities, camps, group homes and schools. 

Today was a special event I've looked forward to for a long time; the Empowerment Yoga Retreat! We were able to bring the gift of yoga, mindfulness and meditation for young women.

De Jur offered a special coconut oil massage and lavender essence presentation, and even more self care tips from Rubi! Dee Anna, Ami and I presented a power rock craft activity and there was an incredible healthy lunch made with love by Ranmalee from www.aadhcuisine.com

Thank you Nola Brantley, Crittenton, Children's Law Center, and of course every young woman that showed up to be on a yoga mat. Just to be, in your perfection, you are love. 

Thank you for so much love,

Jill

Thank you for your generous donation Dave Senior. I am sharing your story with everyone because clearly you get why we do what we do. Thanks again to Bikram Yoga South Pasadena for such an amazing fundraiser bringing the love of folks together.

My story is, I’m lawyer and was at a fairly substantial corporate firm back in 1991 and was asked to “step up” and represent a CA condemned inmate.  It was my first experience meeting someone who had been  convicted of murder.  I’ve been working with the condemned in CA ever since.  Always horrible circumstances, and never easy on the mind or heart.  But, I’ve no doubt learned more from them, than they’ve received from me.  Some folks have had very difficult histories.

If many of the guys I’ve worked for had UpRising Yoga while at CYA, it might have had a huge impact on their lives -- focus, discipline, effort = opportunity and reward.  And the fact is, when you practice with others, you build a positive bond.  My yogi friends and teachers look out for me.  What you’re doing for these kids is priceless.  Keep up the good work, and keep me posted if there is anything I can do to help the cause.
God bless, Dave

Today's fundraiser hosted by URY & Bikram Yoga Instructor Kristie An from yogabela & Dennis from Bikram Yoga South Pasadena was a house filled with incredible yogis from many studios across California.

Thank you Dennis & Epi for welcoming us back to your beautiful community and I appreciate everyone who showed up offering support.

Kristie taught a loving class which featured some UpRising Yoga tips on how to connect, encourage and invite students to take participation in the class by leading a posture or breath work. Congratulations to all that taught postures and made your presence known.

We had an all star attendance: Christie Williams, the owner of Bikram Yoga Encino (my first yoga studio job ever!), URY Board Member & Bikram LA Manager, Orlando Suarez, URY Teachers: Christian Kline, Fitzjoy Hellin, Nick Ippolito and myself, and friends and loved ones from studios everywhere, so inspiring!

From my heart to yours, to the blessings of those who cannot get to a yoga class, to your own personal healing, and every single ounce of the meaning of the word yoga: I feel the unity, the love, joy and generosity and I'm forever changed by the goodwill of today's blessings.

Namaste,

Jill

Thank you: Pizza Rev, Kulae, Trader Joes and Onzie for your donations.