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Fundraiser To Salute Summer Sun, 1 Yoga Pose At A Time

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By KLINT LOWRY

The Suncoast News

Published: June 19, 2008

PORT RICHEY - Since prehistoric times, people across the planet have celebrated the summer solstice. That longest day of the year marks the start of summer.

"Just as the summer solstice is symbolic of agricultural growth, so is it symbolic of personal growth, a time to nurture our potential and express our creative energy," said Faith Bevan, owner of Flow Yoga/Pilates/Personal Training/Massage, 7711 Grand Blvd.

For the third year, Bevan, along with area yoga instructors, will tap into the energy of the summer solstice with a "yoga-thon" beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday at Waterfront Park, 8119 Old Post Road. The fundraiser will benefit The Women's Resource Center of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit center for abused and homeless women and children.

Started by Susan Stallard in 1994, the center offers workshops and clinics to help empower women to end patterns of abuse and chronic homelessness. The center receives no government support, so it operates through donations and fundraisers.

Bevan struck a friendship with Stallard several years ago and has watched her dedication to the center with admiration.

"She works tirelessly for the center," Bevan said of Stallard. "She's looking to save one woman at a time."

In 2006, the two hit upon the idea to have a summer solstice yoga fundraiser. Support from the local business community and yoga practitioners was immediate and enthusiastic.

Considered by many to be the core of Hatha yoga practice, there are 108 "sun salutations." This series of yoga poses is performed in a single, graceful flow to generate harmony, peace and coherence to neutralize negativity in the world. Practitioners find sun salutations build strength and increase flexibility and energy levels.

At the yoga-thon, several instructors will lead the sun salutations. They will be done in groups of 18 salutations with breaks in between.

Yoga isn't meant to be competitive, Bevan said, even with oneself. Participants can do as many or as few of the salutations as is comfortable.

This won't be like a class, with instructors going around correcting participants' form. The event is suitable for people of all skill levels, even beginners, provided they are in good health.

"It's more to enjoy the space and the time," Bevan said.

There will be refreshments at the event, as well as a few vendors. Goodie bags will be given to those who preregister for the event at the studio, by mail or online. The fee is $20; registration forms can be downloaded at the Flow Yoga site, www.flowyoga.biz.

Participants are encouraged to collect sponsorship pledges per sun salutation or fixed amounts, with checks payable to WRCTB.

There will be a prize for the individual who collects the most money at the event. That winner's name will be posted on Aug. 1 on the Flow Yoga Web site.

For information, to register or to be a sponsor, call (727) 848-7283 or e-mail flow@ flowyoga.biz.

Klint Lowry can be reached at klowry@suncoastnews.com or (727) 815-1067.

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