Yoga for Namibia
With a weekly online yoga course offer - Yoga for Namibia - Birgit Janssen supports the children and young people of steps for children in Namibia together with her course participants. You can get to know Birgit in a short interview - and maybe you'll be there next week on Monday at 20 p.m.?! With this online course, 50% of the proceeds are donated to steps for children - yoga for a good cause. A wonderful idea to become active and get involved yourself.
1. Who are you?
My name is Birgit, I have been living in Hamburg with my family since 2010 and in 2015 I decided to give up my former job (accountant) and devote myself entirely to yoga.
2. How long have you known us and how did you come to support steps for children?
In 2022 I was on a train from Bavaria, after a vacation home with my family, and I was looking for a way on the internet part of my birthday party to support a non-profit organization for Africa, where the focus is on education and helping people to help themselves, and that's how I came across you.
3. This year you were able to get to know us further and took part in our meeting for volunteers in Hamburg. Why did you decide to continue supporting us?
The few times I was in personal contact with you, I became aware of the great people behind steps for children and that it makes sense and is quite enriching to continue to do charitable work.
4. You have a very special passion that you have turned into your profession...
Yes. I am fortunate to teach yoga and teach a variety of yoga styles, group classes and 1:1 classes.
5. There are different types of yoga. How do you find out what suits you?
That depends entirely on the individual. We are all a colorful variety with different needs. One is very athletic and the next just wants to relax. People have health restrictions or want to get back into exercise after an injury. Some may be outdoors, others are looking for a yoga studio or private classes. Some just want to dial into a course online, others are looking for contact in the group.
6. You are also committed to education and future opportunities for children and young people in Namibia and Zimbabwe through yoga. How did that happen?
During the lockdown in the pandemic, many yoga studios could not open and my studio classes were canceled as well. So I decided to offer a holistic 20-minute online yoga session on Mondays at 60 p.m. that is suitable for everyone: "Chill it's Yoga". Since I teach these from home, I save on renting the room, I don't need to register in advance and I can offer single and 10-class tickets for a low course fee, of which I pass on 50% of the sales to charities for disadvantaged children. As of this month, these donations will go to steps.
7. Is there anything you are thankful for?
Naturally! There are a thousand things for which I am grateful: my family, health, my life in Hamburg, for my yoga students. In particular, I try to regularly remind myself how grateful we can be for the seasons, for nature, for being able to live in a safe country, for fresh air and fresh water. Once you get involved with what is given to us, you can go on like this indefinitely ♥
8. What would you absolutely not be able to do without?
To my family and friends.
9. What does attention mean to you?
To be so focused that I step out of reactive behavior, pause for a moment to make a conscious decision on how I want to act and what I want to convey.
10. Is there a country you really want to get to know?
Two: Vietnam and Namibia.
Dear Birgit, we would like to thank you and your course participants for the support through the yoga class in favor of our steps children and young people, which has already raised a proud three-digit sum.