Helping victims of violence through yoga

Want to try yoga, but not sure if your body is up to the challenge?

Flexibility and skill are not needed to participate in the kind of yoga being presented at Saturday's Yogathon from 4 to 6 p.m. at State Street Dance Studio in Geneva.

According to instructor Linda Karl, this Yogathon will focus on meditation and relaxation. It is a fundraiser for Mutual Ground, a nonprofit social service agency in Aurora that offers free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The suggested donation is $20 per person.

“In the past, I've raised $1,000,” said Linda Karl, who teaches yoga at Mutual Ground. “Any cash donated is matched with The Walnut Foundation.”

“All the money that I raise goes to keep Mutual Ground doors open,” Karl said.

Mutual Ground needs funds to develop its new Trauma Sensitive Mind-Body Program. The program will provide survivors of domestic violence with tools to help them learn patterns that lead to different cycles of trauma.

The Yogathon is open to the public, but Karl is expecting about 20 attendees. The class is suitable for all levels and will end with a guided meditation for victims of violence all over the world.

Yogathon was also chosen to take place in October because it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“I've been teaching at Mutual Ground since 2004 and this is my third time organizing and teaching this event,” Karl said.

Karl teaches yoga and meditation to the Hispanic Mutual Support Group and is certified to teach trauma sensitive yoga.

The Yogathon will take place at State Street Dance Studio, 9 N. 4th St., Geneva. For more information, call (630) 677-4501 or visit lindakarl.net.