More than 500 attended MHA Westchester’s Get On Your Mat For Mental Health, the second mega outdoor yoga event held in White Plains. Local media, businesses and restaurants were on hand with samples and plenty of delicious treats.
MHA CEO, Dr. Amy Kohn applauded the crowd saying: “What a way to start summer!” White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach agreed: “Our city is thrilled to once again host what must be the largest outdoor yoga event in New York State!”
When yoga legend and White Plains resident, Tao Porchon-Lynch, took the stage, the vast gathering quieted. The rumbling of cars and trucks continued, but went unnoticed. Tao spoke, inviting the assembled to become aware of their breath, to stop the “wandering” and to find the universe inside.
Then renowned yoga teacher Sadie Nardini came up to begin the yoga class. Sadie was overwhelmed by the large turnout and shared her personal account of how yoga helped her overcome a debilitating illness as a teen.
Yoga teachers, who had volunteered their time, strolled through the crowd offering gentle assistance with each pose.
Said participant, Nancy Petschek-Kohn, of Briarcliff: “As a social worker who does yoga for my own mental and physical health, I applaud MHA for creating this wonderful community event which reminds us all what we can do for ourselves by something as simple as moving and breathing.”
Major sponsors of the event were Eileen Fisher, Robison Oil and TD Bank. Supporters also included Athleta Store, Scarsdale; Microsoft at The Westchester, St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester, THE GYM of Armonk and Tommie Copper.
MHA is a community-based mental health agency that has been helping Westchester County residents for 67 years through direct services, professional and community education and advocacy. MHA supports 20,000 individuals annually through a comprehensive array of mental health services for all ages at licensed mental health clinics, and to best meet each individual’s need, at home or at a community location. MHA strives to help each individual to achieve their personal goals and to lead an independent and lives in the community. For information on critical mental health issues and MHA services, visit www.mhawestchester.org
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