Email
PrintAmrit Desai at Yoga in the Park
Yoga in the Park: A Celebration of Survivorship will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., September 10, at Metropolitan Park, featuring Yogi Amrit Desai, an internationally recognized authority on yoga and holistic living.
This inaugural event will be held in memory of Christina Phipps, an incredible yoga instructor who lost her battle with cancer in June 2010 at the age of 45. Christina served as a wonderful example of how endure cancer with dignity, bringing joy and peace to each soul that she touched.
Yogi Desai will be joined by Chandrakant John Heister, a preacher’s son and graduate of Rutgers University. He has refined more than three decades of practice and study with Desai into simple, engaging teachings, designed to help individuals enter into the next level of practice. Chandrakant presents his programs internationally to a wide variety of groups.
Desai began teaching yoga in 1960 as one of the pioneers of yoga in the West. The methodology he developed has evolved into the Amrit Method, an approach practiced by thousands around the world, with certified teachers in 37 countries. The Amrit Yoga Institute, located in Salt Springs, Florida, is an experiential learning center dedicated to the ancient Yogic tradition of discovering the truths and mysteries of life through study, practice, service and direct perception.
Yoga in the Park will also present an array of music. Ajamu Mutima, a nationally known artist, will perform his own music and songs. Whether playing the kora, bamboo flutes, drums or other percussion instruments, his performances have been described as “healing” and “spiritual.” He states, “The words are from my heart and the music is from my soul.”
Drumming performances are on tap with Blondes Drum 2 (Marilyn Wilson and Lynn Curtain). Allowing the rhythms to lead their journey, their partnership has evolved from community drumming into workshops, special events and public performances focused on bringing people together.
All proceeds from Yoga in the Park will benefit In the Pink, a local, nonprofit boutique benefiting women living with cancer. Jeri Millard, founder of In the Pink and the 2011 Eve award winner for volunteer service, opened the boutique in 2009. She and her staff provide post-surgical garments, mastectomy products, lymphedema garments, chemotherapy/radiation skincare products, head shaving, wigs, yoga classes and seminars for cancer patients. If a woman has no insurance or is eligible for Medicaid, products are provided free. Also, most major insurance is accepted and filed for clients.
The event is sponsored by Channel 47/Fox 30 Action News, Mayo Clinic, HealthSource, 21st Century Oncology, Betty Berkman, the Christina Phipps Foundation, Desai Plastic Surgery, Sight & Sound Productions and Natural Awakenings.
Tickets are available at the gate, online at YogaInThePark4Cancer.com or at In the Pink, 522 N. 3rd St., Jacksonville Bch.
