MHA Westchester Raises More than $30,000 at Mega Outdoor Yoga Event
If stretching your arms to the sky is a conduit for cosmic energy, then White Plains surely received an infusion last week as more than 500 yoga enthusiasts gathered on Court Street, next to Macy’s, June 19 for MHA (Mental Health Association) Westchester’s Get On Your Mat For Mental Health. It was the second mega outdoor yoga event held in White Plains.
MHA CEO, Dr. Amy Kohn applauded the crowd saying: “What a way to start summer.” White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach agreed: “Our city is thrilled to once again host what must be the largest outdoor yoga event in New York State.”
When yoga legend and White Plains resident, Tao Porchon-Lynch, took the stage, the vast gathering quieted. The rumbling of cars and trucks continued, but went unnoticed. Tao spoke, inviting the assembled to become aware of their breath, to stop the “wandering” and to find the universe inside.
Then renowned yoga teacher Sadie Nardini came up to begin the yoga class. Sadie was overwhelmed by the large turnout and shared her personal account of how yoga helped her overcome a debilitating illness as a teen.
Yoga teachers, who had volunteered their time, strolled through the crowd offering gentle assistance with each pose.
Attendees were greeted with gift bags stuffed with items from the event sponsors and a yoga mat from White Plains Hospital. Vendors gave out samples and sold yoga clothing and accessories, incense and healthful foods.
Major sponsors of the event were Eileen Fisher, Robison Oil and TD Bank. Supporters also included Athleta Store, Scarsdale; Microsoft at The Westchester, St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester, THE GYM of Armonk and Tommie Copper.
