On the 21st of June, Yoga for Change had the pleasure of hosting the Illawarra International Day of Yoga at Govinda Valley. We hope this summary offers an insightful reflection and excites you to share another beautiful experience with us next year!

All the funds raised from the day’s event will be supporting charities such as The Yoga Foundation, The Eve Project and Caring for Life. For more information on these great causes please refer to the links provided at the end of this blog.

The day started nice and early at 7.00am on Bald Hill for 108 Sun Salutations (yes, 108 Salutations!). Blessed with a beautiful rising sun, everyone persisted through the chilly weather, staying rugged up to complete an uplifting yoga session.

Working up our appetities, we headed back to Govinda Valley for a delicious vegan breakfast spread that was very well deserved. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how amazing those cupcakes were? Govinda pride themselves on their food and the staff definitely did not hold back for this event!

After a filling meal we unwound with talks including A Corporate Yogi by Ravindra, Andre Melis on Yoga for Change, Dr Michael de Manicor on the science of yoga’s benefits, Astrid Pickup on the yoga “family” and Lisa Blanch on how yoga can empower those affected by cancer.

Follwing this were some interactive workshops by other inspirational yogis. Dr Rama Prasad informed us of the holistic approach to ayuervedic treatment, Moira Gordon helped us unlock our inner yogic artisits and Julie Beynon conducted a Dru yoga session that helped release any remaining tensions.

Just when we thought breakfast couldn’t be topped we were able to indugle in a mouth-watering lunch (including sweet potato & pumpkin soup and chocolate brownies!) and then partake in a calming and beautiful Kriya yoga session with Lenish John & enlighten ourselves on our star signs with Andre Melis.

Amidst the talks and workshops our yogis had the opportunity to wander the various market stalls, exhibits provided by various ethical brands and yoga related organisations. The Silent Auction also attracted considerable traffic, with all items selling before the end of the day! Thank you to those with pop-up stalls and to everyone that donated to the auction. We hope our winners enjoy their goodies!

Ending with a Kirtan led by Eloa filled the room with a peaceful, tranquil and calming energy, perfectly concluding a day full of smiles, laughs, meditation and most importantly, yoga.

Thank you again to all of you for bringing your inspiring and rejuvenating energies to our celebration. We are so happy that we shared this relaxing and informative day with you all, a day that truly created Yoga for Change.

Charity links:

https://www.caringforlife.com.au/

http://www.theyogafoundation.org.au/

https://www.theeveproject.org.au/