By Allie Frane
Ahimsa: The idea, consideration and belief in the sacredness of all living creatures. To avoid doing harm or violence against another.
As one of the five yamas—a foundational ideal of the eight limbs of yoga—nonviolence is essential on our yoga journey. We strive daily to practice compassion and kindness, whether it’s nonviolence to others or even to ourselves.
Our beloved city of Chicago is suffering from an astonishingly high rate of crime and violence, and it’s time to start making some serious changes within our community. We have a responsibility to our children to teach them about ahimsa, about the importance of nonviolence, kindness and compassion, and to practice for peace.
Sunday, August 17 marks the first annual Chicago Kids Yoga Fest. The entire city of Chicago and Chicagoland area, yogis, non-yogis, musicians, artists and kids of all ages are invited to help celebrate, support and promote this mission of peace and nonviolence among our Chicago communities.
The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Garfield Park Conservatory and feature a variety of activities for all to enjoy. Everyone will have the opportunity to begin their own individual journey towards peace and compassion—to begin to truly understand ahimsa.
It’s time to take action. It’s time to build a community that is rooted in kindness, compassion and peace. It’s time to practice ahimsa. And it all starts with our children.
Interactive Classes & Workshops—Kids of all ages can practice for peace with local instructors including Mira Binzen of Global Family Yoga, Mia Park, Yoli Maya Yeh of Peace within YOUth, Yoga Gardens NFP, Smarty Pants Yoga, Tammie Ciuciura (Author of “Namaste”) and more.
Family Scavenger Hunt—Wander Garfield Park Conservatory with a map in hand to each location; decode clues to find activities, games, treasures and information on health and wellness for the whole family.
Music Stage—Get up and dance or sit back and listen to live music by The Householders, Devi2000, The Bliss Tribe, DJ Taz, Bhakti Caravan and Low End Theory.
Family Friendly Fire Jam—Watch in awe as Pyrotechniq takes the stage with a magical choreographed fire performance created especially for #ChicagoKidsYogaFest.
Chic-a-go-go Dance Party—Dance your heart out with Ratso and Miss Mia as they tape their next episode from the fest.
Art Studio—Channel your inner Picasso and create a masterpiece of your own to take home with you as a wonderful handcrafted souvenir from the day.
Food & Drinks—The Kids’ Table and Chicago Kids Yoga LLC will provide free snacks and VitaCoco—the official beverage of the #ChicagoKidsYogaFest—will be there to quench the thirst of guests throughout the entire day.
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