Wellness Community Yogathon now set for April 17

The Wellness Community-Delaware, an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community, has moved the date of its all day yoga event to April 17. In the practice of karma yoga or service to others yoga and tai chi instructors from Silver Lotus Training Institute, Comfort Zone Yoga, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach Yoga have offered to donate their services and teach hour-long workshops designed to meet the unique needs of the community and change lives all through yoga, qigong and tai chi. The young and old, flexible and not-so-flexible, the athletes and couch potatoes, and those of every heritage will be able to find a workshop perfect for them, organizers said.

The all day Yogathon will be held at TWC-D, located at 18947 John J. Williams Highway in Rehoboth Beach. Classes will run from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Each class will be one hour in length. Healthy refreshments will be offered throughout the day.

The cost is $12 per hour of instruction, with any combination of three classes costing $30. The class schedule is available online at wellnessdelaware.org or at TWC-D. More information can be obtained by calling Marcia Esposito at (302) 645-9150 or e-mailing mesposito@wellnessdelaware.org. The proceeds from this event will benefit TWC-D in Sussex County.

The schedule is as follows: 8 a.m. – Meditation, TaiChi/Qigong Chair and Yoga; 9:15 a.m. – Pranayama/Stress Reduction/Breath Control, Chair Yoga, Tai Chi/Qigong (24 form and variations); 10:30 a.m. – Chair TaiChi/Quigong and Yoga; noon – TaiChi, Yoga and TaiChi/Qigong for the whole family; 1:15 p.m. – Yoga, TaiChi and Yoga for the whole family; 2:30 p.m. – TaiChi/Qigong, Yoga and TaiChi (fan form).

From 3:30 to 4 p.m. there will be an information-sharing session.

All classes will include meditation. There will also be several different yoga and tai chi videos showing throughout the day for a minimal donation.

Susan Hamadock, the director of the Silver Lotus Training Institute, said she “was inspired to help because TWC-D reaches out to those who have cancer. It offers a wide variety of free programs that meet the needs of a diverse group of people. We are all touched by cancer in some fashion. The Wellness Community recognizes the diverse needs of this group of folks and attempts to reach the needs of all. The wide range of services includes art therapy, journal writing, group support and a variety of mediation, yoga, qigong and tai chi healing experiences.

“These programs are designed for men and women who struggle with cancer and cancer treatment: however, another great aspect of the Wellness Community is that it reaches out to health care providers, family care providers, friends and relative of those who have cancer – so a cancer patient can bring her or his whole support system to receive help and support – It is a down home, non-pretentious, friendly atmosphere where all are welcome.”

“The practice (yoga) is literally for ‘every body’ – it meets you where you are no matter what your capacity or state of health,” said Yoga Alliance President and CEO R. Mark Davis.

According to a 2008 Yoga Journal study, 15.8 million Americans practice yoga and 14 million said that a doctor or therapist has recommended yoga to improve their health. Yoga as medical therapy is garnering more attention in the medical community as demonstrated by the National Institute of Health’s (NIH’s) first-ever Yoga Week which explored the science and practice of yoga.

Hundreds of research studies have been conducted throughout the world stating the many health benefits of tai chi. The benefits of both tai chi and yoga are said to be numerous, including stress management, improvement in heart health, reduction of cholesterol, improved circulation and improved balance. Practicing yoga can help with illnesses ranging from asthma to cancer. Yoga is also known for slowing the signs of aging, decreasing wrinkles, firming skin and reducing oxidative stress.

The Wellness Community-Delaware is part of an international nonprofit organization that provides support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones. Through participation in professionally led support groups, educational workshops and mind/body classes, people affected by cancer can learn skills that enable them to regain control, reduce isolation and restore hope, regardless of the stage of disease. At The Wellness Community-Delaware, all programs are free of charge.