Over $28,000 Raised for Domestic Violence Survivor Mind-Body Programs

Sarah Sheridan Brown is a formidable woman. As the star of our Yoga Supporting Women campaign in June 2021, Sarah knows how yoga can change a person’s life.

Yoga Supporting Women campaign Success

In June 2021 we ran our Yoga Supporting Women campaign to raise funds to reach more women recovering from violence, abuse, coercive control and emotional pain. The campaign raised over $26,000 dollars for domestic violence survivors mind-body programs.

Sarah Brown was the star of our Yoga Supporting Women campaign. She participated in our mind-body programs for domestic violence survivors this year and has been amazed at the "ripple effect" yoga has had in her life. 

Sarah Brown’s healing journey

As part of her healing journey, Sarah penned an incredible poem you can read below. 

To my kindred women that know who you are.

The mothers, the daughters, the sisters, the aunts, the wives, the lovers and the friends.

Know that you are never ever separated from the wondrous cosmos of human life. You may be an island in the ocean of your mind, but within your veins flows the blood of the warrior women that have gone before you. Therefore, you are at this moment, and will eternally be enough!

You are loved, you are precious and your very existence is all the validation and comfort you will ever need. Everything else is nothing more than a glorious moment in time. Share your unique gifts only as you see fit and put up your shields to the rest. My love to you all, from here to eternity. This is my poem for you so that you may give it to “Him” whoever he may be. ~ Sarah

A message for ‘Him’

Will you wrap me in the velvety warmth of the night?

Will you lavish me with ignorance and validation?

I beg that you break every mirrored surface within my grasp,

Or I may unwillingly be delivered into temptation.  

Will you ever give your answers away?

Or do I ask you just a little too much?

If it’s acceptance beyond condition that you seek,

Why do you make you carry something that I cannot touch?

I think I do recall a gift that you gave to me once,

But I’m afraid that too much time has passed.

You’ve taken me the long way home

And now I fear that my precious rations will not last.  

You invited me in so lovingly and calm.

Your constructed walls were so solid and soundproof.

I got drunk on the thick wine you served

I was sedated, I was blind, I was pleasantly aloof.

So if I promise to uphold the veneer will you be merciful?

Does this seem fair to you?

Then you can play your game till the cows are dust,

 And I will never again ask you why the sky is blue.

Wait! I do remember where I stowed your gift,

But I think I’ll give back to my former self instead.

Then she can tell me again what you said right before you left.

She’ll say that whilst I was not living, I was never really dead. 

How yoga helped heal Sarah Brown, a domestic violence survivor

As part of the domestic violence survivors mind-body yoga programs Sarah took through The Yoga Foundation she realised there are "many dynamic and multi-faceted tools offered by the program. These tools become a personal arsenal to rearm yourself and step back into the world." 

How yoga helps heal trauma

Yoga addresses where trauma took place, whether in the mental or physical aspects of the body. Talking therapies focus on feelings and thoughts; yoga is unique in its mind-body focus enabling a release of tension through breath and movement.

By providing a safe group experience, yoga also supports connection to others, engages participants in mindful movement and provides information and education about wellbeing. It is a practice that can easily be adapted for every age and stage.

For many domestic violence survivors, yoga provides a foundation that creates a strong united community of female survivors who are actively overcoming abuse. Yoga encourages self-acceptance, personal growth and the women derive great strength when sharing this experience.

None of us knows when we might find ourselves in need of support. If you’re in a position where you can give, donate today.