Today I had a life altering experience as I volunteered to be a “mirror” for students at Shabazz High School in Newark NJ. The Newark Yoga Movement founded and led by Debby Kaminsky , my mentor and friend is an organization that was built on the belief that everyone should have yoga in their life in hopes to cause a “shift” from within for each individual.

I entered Shabazz High School with slight trepidation, not really knowing what to expect of this experience. When I went through the locked front door and metal detector in the front hallway I realized right away that I was in completely unfamiliar territory. This is the environment that Shabazz students deal with on a day to day basis. We were led down several hallways to the gym where I was introduced to the athletic directors and various physical education teachers who were happy to see us.

The students dribbled into the class with uncertainty and a definite lack of enthusiasm and set up their mats in a circle, a mandala if you will waiting for instruction. Debby began the class gradually drawing in the attention of most of the students with her words. We began with some simple poses, slowly introducing new language which caused the students to pause and take notice of what they were doing with their breath and their bodies. I literally saw a spark or change within several students as they tried to follow Debby , me, and Mariah another yoga teacher.

When it was time for savasana or rest time the students were instructed to free their minds and their bodies and surrender themselves for 5 minutes of peaceful, blissful quiet. What happened when they arose from the savasana was truly magical. Peaceful, content expressions greeted us as they opened their eyes. A feeling of calm filled the space in the circle where we sat together. Debby gave the kids a sense of peace and inner security in the short amount of time we all spent together.

The children that left that space were different than the kids that came in just 40 minutes before. It is my hope that the peaceful, blissful feeling that came out of the beautiful breathing and poses will sustain them through whatever was waiting for them the rest of the day.

The mission of The Newark Yoga Movement is to provide yoga for the 41,000 students in Newark NJ twice a month. It is a start but is it enough to make a change for the students? Bringing a consistent yoga schedule to Newark schools will help create a positive change.

You can help by making a donation to www.newarkyogamovement.org . “Be the change you want to see in the world” Gandi

There are other ways to help by volunteering to become a “mirror” or to get involved in a teaching rotation.. Make a difference in the life of a child.

October 30 2009 Jill Friedfertig Lovepeaceyoga.com Making a difference One Breath at a time.