hridaya project: opening the heart through yoga and art
hridaya project fuses yoga and art therapy for at-risk young women to express themselves, build self-esteem, provide stress-relief, feel empowered, and open their hearts to each other in a healing community.

the first annual 12-week hridaya project took place at the shala in february through march of 2011, with support from the citizen's crime commission and the door, a center of alternatives. each weekly 2 hour workshop began with a yoga class focused on a specific pose or theme, and followed with an art project to expand upon that theme, and reflect on the yoga experience in a deep and meaningful way.

the hridaya project participants shared that their experience enabled them to feel more relaxed, connected, self-confident and empowered. hridaya project will continue to grow in efforts to bring yoga and art therapy to people in need and to encourage holistic physical and mental health and wellness.

the hridaya project is very grateful to the shala for the generosity of space usage and more importantly for warmly welcoming these young women into the shala community.

to donate or for more information please contact ashley dorr at ashleydorr@hotmail.com.

bent on learning
bent on learning is a nonprofit organization committed to teaching yoga to new york city public school children. we bring yoga to as many students as possible—not after school, but right there, in the classroom, where the learning happens.

yoga is a simple and accessible way for kids to use the tools they already have—their body, breath, and mind—to release stress, find focus, and learn better. it's also a way to help teachers teach better. supporting bent on learning is a way for you to help make all of this possible.

visit www.bentonlearning.org to become a part of our community and support us.