By Foster Barnes
MONDAY, 02/06/2014. There are more than 300,000 domestic helpers of different nationalities in Hong Kong, and almost 50% of them are Filipinos. They usually only have one day off a week and live with limited resources. Providing free yoga classes for Hong Kong’s domestic helpers has been a focus of the Andiappan Yoga Community (AYC) since it’s inception. However, many of the AYC teachers who had originally organized the program have since left Hong Kong.
But now, thanks to AYC Volunteer Louise Vas, we have reactivated this program as a service to Hong Kong’s dedicated and under-appreciated overseas workers. It’s a great way to help them relieve physical and mental stress and rejuvenate for the upcoming work week.
“As I deepened my own yoga practice — and saw how I improved physically, mentally and spiritually — I realized that I wanted to share yoga with more people, especially with those who have limited resources. Domestic helpers work tirelessly day in and day out. If they could have a little time dedicated for themselves to do yoga, they would feel alive, refreshed and inspired when they go back to work.” — AYC Overseas Workers Project Leader Louise Vas
Master Yogananth led the initial class of 21 participants on Monday, 02/06, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Tamar Park in Admiralty. AYC Volunteer Teachers Tanny Tang, Renee Mei Sze Lee, Hui Ming, Yisha Qiao, Kay Yuen, and Edward Wah Gor assisted Louise with event logistics, demonstrating poses, adjusting participants, and taking photos. A local Filipino website, HK Pinoy TV, covered the event and interviewed Master Yogananth, Hiu Ming, and Kay Yuen. Please watch the video here.
Before the program started Louise introduced Master Yogananth, AYC, its mission, and our volunteers. Then Master Yogananth then led the group through a variety of asanas ranging from lateral stretches, twists, forward and backward bends. During the class he explained the therapeutic benefits of each asana, and with the help of our AYC volunteer teachers, he adjusted the participant’s postures and corrected their form.
At the end of the session, Master Yogananth led the group through a series cooling pranayamas that are especially refreshing during Hong Kong’s hot summer weather. He also talked about his background and demonstrated more challenging poses such as the locust, peacock, and scorpion. Each volunteer teacher also did a short demo leaving the participants amazed and inspired.
AYC’s yoga class for Hong Kong’s overseas workers is held each Sunday from 8 to 9 a.m. at Pier Ten in Central, 8 to 9 a.m. at East Waterfront Podium Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui, and Saturday afternoons from 4 to 5 p.m. at Pier 10 in Central.
To register, please join the Facebook Group “Free Yoga Classes for Overseas Workers” at https://www.facebook.com/groups/yac.freeclasses/ or contact Louise at louisevas1@gmail.com
“Thank you so much to Master Yogananth and AYC for arranging this class. I really want to do this regularly. Just after the class I feel very light and alive! I really want to learn more about yoga.” — Rose Lagdaan, program participant
“At first I thought yoga is only for young people, but after this class I realized that this is really for everyone! I am over 50 years old and I’m so happy I was able to join this class. Master Yogananth and the teachers are really inspiring. Thank you for the opportunity and we look forward to more.” — Beth Inocentes, program participant
AYC would like to thank Louise Vas for her contributions to this article.