Helen Ahimsa Cushing
South Hobart Yoga & Meditation - Yoga for War Veterans
“Yoga came along at the right time and saved my life, without any doubt. The yogic breathing is the biggest help. It stops the hypervigilance.” – War Veteran
South Hobart Yoga & Meditation (SHYAM has focused on Yoga for War Veterans for over 30 years, based on Satyananda yoga principles.
Ahimsa taught this program from 2004 until earlier this year, inspired by the courage of those in recovery.
The program has effectively supported men and women, even those who may not have responded well to psychiatric or psychological treatment, in finding peace.
Ahimsa spent years researching the breathing patterns integral to Satyananda yoga and their effects on the nervous system. This resulted in the production of a book titled “Hope: How Yoga Heals the Scars of Trauma” and a film named “Heroes of Peace.”
Additionally, she toured internationally to teach on the subject, including a 2023 trip to Finland to teach programs to Ukrainians.
A Yoga For Good grant in 2023
We proudly supported SHYAM with a grant to bridge the gaps in their 2023 Funding from Agencies that support veterans and to continue the weekly support class for War Veterans in South Hobart.
Helen says, “As well as providing yoga to enable deep relaxation, rebalancing the nervous system and consequent symptom reduction, the social contact is incredibly important as this group could be identified as those that often isolate themselves. The program welcomes spouses and partners, contributing to its success, as they are less likely to feel comfortable in a regular class.”
The program strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system, rebalancing it from being stuck in sympathetic (stress response). This results in improved sleep and overall well-being. Participants learn mind management tools, including tranquillising breath practices and mindfulness to reduce reactivity. Referrals come through medical professionals and agencies and on the SHYAM website.
Looking forward to and beyond the SHYAM, Ahimsa will be travelling to Finland and Poland this year to continue working with Ukrainian colleagues. She is considering having her book published in Spanish for a Columbian edition.
Testimonials
Our sole mission is to create opportunities to do good for others through yoga.
And we’re making an impact.
A huge thank you to the Yoga For Good Foundation...
…for their incredible contribution to our Life Now Yoga and meditation programs!
This generous donation will mean we can buy new yoga equipment, run a new yoga class in Broome, and enhance our meditation program for cancer patients and their primary carers.
Cancer Council Western AustraliaSending out gratitude to the Yoga for Good Foundation.
Their grant is enabling me to offer FREE trauma informed therapeutic movement and relaxation to frontline mental health and social services staff in Bega.
Participants are really valuing the time out for themselves and experiencing integrated poly vagal theory. And I get to be in a teaching space, yay!
PremKranti CounsellingThe generous grant we've been awarded from the Yoga For Good Foundation...
…allows us to reach more underserved and vulnerable community groups who can benefit from a trauma-informed yoga and embodied mindfulness practice at zero cost to the participants.
Some of the community groups we’ll be serving in the current months include 000 Foundation, Men’s Walk and Talk and WAGEC.
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