Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
As a yoga student, teacher-in-training, and someone passionate about service, I have found alignment between my personal practice and my professional mission. In my day job, Iām the founder and CEO of Bridging Gaps, a nonprofit that supports refugees and people from marginalized communities to build their own livelihoods through social entrepreneurship, long-term mentorship, and our signature pay-it-forward microloans. Itās beautiful, challenging, sometimes chaotic, and deeply human workāfilled with constant movement, from projects and events to travel, meetings, and grant applications. So when I finally carved out the space to begin my Yoga Teacher Training, I knew it had to be something flexible, supportive, and aligned with my values.
Thatās how I found YogaRenewāand Iām so glad I did.
Being able to do my YTT online and at my own pace has been a gift. It has allowed me to deepen not just my knowledge of yoga, but also my personal practice, in a way that fits into the rhythm of my life. Iām currently doing both the YTT and the Yin Yoga Certification Program, and it has been a wonderful and grounding experience.
One of the many things that deeply resonated with me is the exploration of yoga philosophy, especially karma yoga. In Mark Stephensā Teaching Yoga, he defines karma yoga as āthe yoga of service,ā literally translated as the path of āunion through action.ā He writes that it involves acting without consideration of desire or selfish needāand that idea really stayed with me. Years ago, I spent time at a yoga retreat where karma yoga meant helping in the kitchen or sweeping floors. Today, learning more about it, I expanded my definition of it to bringing microfinance to refugee settlements, co-creating community-based programs, and holding space for others to lead.
I see the work we do at Bridging Gaps as an expression of karma yogaāwork done not for personal gain, but out of deep care, compassion, and solidarity. And now, yoga is becoming an even more intentional part of that work.
I see the work we do at Bridging Gaps as an expression of karma yogaāwork done not for personal gain, but out of deep care, compassion, and solidarity. And now, yoga is becoming an even more intentional part of that work.
As we gear up for International Day of Yoga 2025, Iām incredibly excited to share a new initiative a group of Bridging Gaps Fundraising Fellows has launched, called Bridging Hearts and Minds, which will run through June.
This global campaign brings together yoga, mental health, and social impact. The funds raised will support our first-ever yoga session in the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement in Uganda, where my co-founder Malish is based. Itās the beginning of a vision to make yoga more accessible in underserved communitiesāespecially those recovering from conflict and displacement. And for those who feel a connection with the practice, we will offer microloans to help them begin their own journeys as yoga teachers, sharing yoga with their wider communities in ways that are rooted in local context and culture.
If youād like to be part of this movement, we invite you to:
- Offer a donation-based yoga or meditation session in support of the campaign
- Share our initiative within your network
- Take part in our online sessions and workshops
- Sponsor a yoga teacher trainee in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement
- Or simply connect with us, exchange ideas, and send positive energy
To me, yoga is many thingsāmovement, mindfulness, devotion, community. Itās about connecting with our bodies and calming our minds, but also about connecting with each other and the world around us. And in todayās uncertain, often overwhelming times, we need that connection more than ever.
Thatās why Iām so grateful to be part of the YogaRenew community. This journey has already brought so much clarity and groundingāand Iām even more inspired to bring these tools into my daily life and the mission I hold close to my heart.
ā Written by guest author and CEO of Bridging Gaps, Janina Peter
This pose is very popular in yoga sequences, especially in vinyasa yoga. The benefits of Downward Facing Dog include stretching the hamstrings, calves, shoulders and hands while strengthening the legs and arms. It also makes your feel energized and helps calm the brain which makes it an ideal pose to relieve stress. This classic yoga pose can be practiced pretty much anywhere however, practicing it on the sand can allow your body to sink even deeper into it. Begin in tabletop position with your knees stacked directly under your hips and your wrists stacked under your shoulders. Exhale while tucking your toes and lifting your knees off the sand. Spread your fingers and press your hands down in front of you while straightening your back as much as possible. Gently bend your knees, one at a time, working your way into your own version of Downward Facing Dog. Bring your gaze towards your feet while aligning your hand with your spine creating a straight line. Take a few deep breaths and when youāre ready to exit the pose, gently lower your knees back onto the sand into tabletop position and release into Childās Pose.
I donāt know about you but something about being by the ocean provides peacefulness and balance to my body and soul; why not practice a pose that embodies that? Benefits of this pose include stretching the thighs, core and shoulders while strengthening the spine, thighs and calves. Tree Pose is a great way to ground yourself and focus on your breathing while improving your balance. Begin in Mountain Pose (Tadasana); inhale while lifting your arms towards the sky and exhale, bringing your hands by your heart. Choose a focal point to provide balance and slowly lift your right foot off the sand and place it on your left ankle. Taking your time, lift your right foot further until it reaches the side of your left knee. Take a few deep breaths here and whenever youāre ready. return to Mountain Pose; repeat this pose on the opposite side.
This pose is excellent at reducing back pain and stress, calming the mind and stretching the spine and shoulders. To get into this pose, simply begin in a shoulder stand and slowly bring your extended legs back towards your head until your toes touch the mat behind your head. Remember to bring your chin away from your sternum and keep your hands on your lower back for additional support or release them onto the mat and stretch them behind you. This pose can be held for a few minutes; when you feel ready to exit, bring your hands to your lower back again and exhale while slowly lowering your legs down towards. This a a great pose for the beach because it encourages deep relaxation and stress relief.
Take a deep breath and say goodbye to any tension. Being by laying on your stomach with your arms extend by your sides with your palms up. Take a deep exhale and reach for your heels with your hands while bending your knees. Hold onto your feet while trying to lift your thighs slightly off the mat and gaze forward. Keep i mind that it might be harder to breathe in this posture but make sure to keep breathing steadily. Stay in this pose for about 30 seconds and release your legs and arms towards the mat while taking a deep exhale. The benefits of this pose include improving your posture, strengthening the back muscles and stretching your thighs, core, chest, throat and hips.
This pose is wonderful at lengthening the hip flexors, preparing the body for backbend poses as well as opening the hip joint and reducing stress and anxiety. Begin in seated position with your feet tucked under your glutes. Extend your right leg back on the mat while keeping your left leg bent in front of you. Take a deep inhale and as you exhale, release your body onto your front leg and extend your arms on the mat in front of you. Try to bring your forehand to touch the mat and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, allowing your body to sink even deeper into the pose with every exhale. To exit the asana, slowly walk your hands back up towards your torso and return to seated position.
Now, letās take a moment to sit still and breathe. Sit comfortably with your legs crossed, your spine straight and your hands in your lap. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, trying to hold your inhale for a few seconds before exhaling. Try to eliminate any stressful or negative thoughts while bringing your entire focus o your breath. While continuing to breathe deeply, bring your attention to the sound of the ocean waves crashing endlessly against the shore, one by one. Inhale the fresh, salty breeze and feel your body sinking heavily into the sand.Let go of any fear or stress about what will happen tomorrow or the day after because all that is guaranteed is this moment, sitting cross legged on the sand in front of the vast ocean that covers our beautiful planet. In this moment, you are blessed and all you can do is immerse yourself in gratitude. You can attempt the Ujjayi breath which is often referred to as the āoceanic breathā and it is used to synchronize your breathing with the asana. This wonderful technique will enhance your yoga practice as well as increase the oxygen in your blood, relieve tension, detoxify your body and mind as well as help to increase your mind-body awareness. The Ujjayi breath consists of breathing through your nose, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly through your nose. To practice, open your mouth and exhale making a āhaā sound. Noe, try this with your mouth closed but maintain the intensity of your exhalations. Every time your exhale, it should sound like ocean waves and this technique is ideal to practice while youāre in easy pose, during hatha yoga or simply when youāre stressed or frustrated.
This posture will help you relax even more after getting out of Easy pose. Lay down on your mat or the sand with your legs extended in front of you and your arms by your sides with your palms facing up towards the sky. Close your eyes and bring your awareness to your breath once again but this time, donāt force deep inhalations or exhalations; instead, breathe naturally and simply bring your attention to your breathe. Allow the soothing sounds around you to increase your sense of mindfulness and purpose. The benefits of this asana are endless, a few of which are body awareness, stress reduction, better sleep quality and deep mind relaxation. This asana can be held for anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour and it might just end up in a wonderful nap in the sun.
