Karma Connection :: Africa Yoga Project

I'm really happy to talk about this Karma Connection today. AFRICA YOGA PROJECT is an amazing project that more yogis (and non-yogis) need to know about. Their slogan of "CULTIVATE UNITY * CREATE POSSIBILITY * FOSTER NON-VIOLENCE" is just the beginning of their mission. I was fortunate enough to meet Paige Elenson, founder of the project this past weekend at a workshop hosted by M Body Yoga in Neptune Beach, FL. She spoke to us about her yoga background and how she came to live in Kenya and share her heart to the communities there.

all photos via Africa Yoga Project

"The Africa Yoga Project uses the transformative power of yoga to empower communities and change lives. By inspiring the global yoga community into active service, AYP delivers effective and innovative programs that foster peace, improve physical, emotion and mental well-being, facilitate self-sufficiency and create opportunities to learn and contribute across the communities of East Africa."

AYP works under the parent organization of Sarakasi Trust, which is the East African leader in using the arts and culture to eradicate poverty. Through community yoga classes, and "yoga on the streets", the Africa Yoga Project has brought such a beautiful practice to the Kenyan communities which "provides a healthy, motivational venue for young adults to engage with their community, build support systems and change their lives." Not only are classes provided but also educational scholarships, job training, food stipends, temporary housing and health services. Plus, Baptiste Yoga teacher trainings have helped bring new Kenyan yoga teachers into their own communities to help spread the yoga-love! ♥

Here's a video which will give you a good idea of the work the AYP does in Kenya and the lives they are changing!

(email readers must click through online to view)

Learn more about the Africa Yoga Project: WEBSITE & FACEBOOK

Karma Connection :: Morocco Retreat

A couple times a month I plan to feature other amazing people around the world offering lovely retreats as well, because hey, isn't that what part of the yogic spirit is about?

Plus, this gives those of you reading an opportunity to learn about other options out there - retreats that take place on other dates in the year than EAT.PRAY.MOVE and perhaps other places on the globe that are more accessible to you.

photos from My Marrakesh
This week, as the first KARMA Connection on this blog, I'd love to introduce you to the lovely, Maryam, an American who lives in Morocco and blogs at My Marrakesh.

From reading her blog for years now it becomes more and more apparent that Maryam is a sort of Renaissance woman - wearing hats from writer, expat, journalist, traveler, designer, hotelier of sorts, wife/mother, and shopper. Yes, among many other things, she's a professional personal shopper and is hosting a retreat this May for those interested in diving deep into the exotic Moroccan shopping experience.

photos from My Marrakesh
When she isn't acting as purveyor of peacocks at home on her 9-acre olive grove property, she's getting ready to host amazing experiences for her guests in May at the Ace Camp Morrocan Shopping Retreat. Enjoy a week shopping in the souks with Maryam as a guide, Morrocan wine tastings, palace visits, expert talks, and lodging at the Peacock Pavillions boutique hotel.

Find out more on Maryam's site HERE. And say, "salam alekoum" for me!