Dharma Manifests in Many Ways With Kripalu Yoga
April 29, 2021
As Ann Otte’s 200-hour Kripalu Yoga teacher training was nearing its end in early 2019, Cristie Newhart, then-dean of the School of Yoga, dropped in to visit with the sangha. She passed around a jar of crayons and gave the group a challenge: “Consider your dharma.” Ann began thinking about how she could use her yoga certification in a way that embodied God’s call to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Her inspiration came quickly. By passing all class contributions on to local community causes, she could benefit not only her students on the mat but many other people in need. She picked up the crayon and wrote: “Practice for a Purpose.”
A year later, with COVID lockdowns in place, the minister at Ann’s church encouraged her by asking her to continue their yoga ministry online.
Ann piloted a Zoom Kripalu Yoga class in April 2020. Since then, she’s led over 200 classes using Zoom. Her yoga ministry has raised more than $6,000 for food banks, family services, and other frontline charities, with every penny donated by students in her free classes.
And when Ann needs a substitute teacher, she calls on members of her Kripalu sangha. Instead of paying them to teach, she makes a donation to Kripalu in their honor.
You don’t need to be a member of Ann’s church to join her Kripalu Yoga classes. They’re open to everyone! You can find the schedule at annotteyoga.com.
YOUR DONATION CREATES A BETTER WORLD
Your gifts to Kripalu kindle the inspiration that speeds people like Ann along their paths of purpose. Together, you are working toward a more just, united, and peaceful world. We thank Ann, and we thank you. Want to support more inspiration at Kripalu? Please donate, if you are able. Every gift is a step toward the future of Kripalu.