AROUND 100 people practised yoga together at the Cave Gardens on Saturday morning to raise awareness for Lifeboat SE.
Beginners and experienced yogis were led by One Yoga and Lifestyle’s Julie Denton, completing an impressive 108 sun salutations to celebrate the passing of winter.
Voluntary donations at the free community event raised $600 for the mental health support group.
“Practising 108 sun salutations is an ancient tradition and linked to Hindu belief that 108 is an auspicious number,” Ms Denton explained.
“Anyone was welcome to come along at any time and join in and most people ended up staying for the full hour and a half.
“We thought an outdoor yoga class to celebrate the spring equinox and breaking out of the darkness of winter was the perfect opportunity to promote the wonderful local group Lifeboat.”
Lifeboat SE founding member Matthew Brookes said the $600 donation will help the not-for-profit group support locals in stressful situations.
“This money will allow us to buy someone a massage voucher or take someone out for a coffee and a chat,” he said.
“Talking to a mate in a more casual setting is often less daunting for people at first.
“Lifeboat is a crew of people who have experience in dealing with stress, depression and anxiety and we share the tools we used to improve our mental health and we connect people with services.”
One Yoga and Lifestyle and Lifeboat SE will host a free community mindfulness session on October 12.
