Yoga for Namibia
With a weekly online yoga course – Yoga for Namibia – Birgit Janssen, together with her course participants, supports the children and young people of steps for children in Namibia. In a short interview, you can get to know Birgit – and perhaps you’ll join us next Monday at 8 p.m.?! With this online course, 50% of the proceeds are donated to steps for children – yoga for a good cause, in other words. A wonderful idea for becoming active yourself and getting involved.
1. who are you?
My name is Birgit, I have lived in Hamburg with my family since 2010 and in 2015 I decided to give up my former job (accountant) and dedicate 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 the train from Bavaria after a visit home with my family, and was searching online for a way to support a charitable organisation for Africa as part of my birthday celebration, with a focus 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 better and took part in our meeting for volunteers in Hamburg. Why did you decide to continue supporting us?
The few times I have had personal contact with you, I have realised what great people are behind steps for children and that it is meaningful and enriching to continue to be charitably active.
4. you have a very special passion that you have turned into your profession...
Yes, I am lucky enough to be able to teach yoga and teach a variety of yoga styles, give group classes and 1:1 lessons.
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 diverse mix with different needs. One person is very sporty, while the next simply wants to relax. People have health limitations or want to get back into movement after an injury. Some like being outdoors, while others seek out a yoga studio or individual lessons. Some only want to join a course online, while others seek contact in a group.
6 You also use yoga to promote education and future opportunities for children and young people in Namibia and Zimbabwe. How did this come about?
During the lockdown in the pandemic, many yoga studios were unable to open and my studio classes were cancelled too. So I decided to offer a 60-minute holistic online yoga session every Monday at 8 p.m. that is suitable for everyone: “Chill, it’s Yoga”. Since I teach this from home, I save on room rental, do not require advance registration and can offer single-session and 10-class passes at a low course fee, 50% of the proceeds from which I donate to charity for disadvantaged children. Since this month, these donations will go to steps.
7. is there anything you are grateful for?
Of course! There are a thousand things I am grateful for: my family, my health, my life in Hamburg, and my yoga students. In particular, I try to regularly remind myself how grateful we can be for the seasons, nature, being allowed to live in a safe country, and having fresh air and fresh water. Once you open yourself up to everything that is given to us, you can go on like this endlessly ♥
8. what could you never do without?
To my family and friends.
9 What does attention mean to you?
To be so focused that I step out of reactive behaviour, pause for a brief moment to make a conscious decision about how I want to act and what I want to convey.
10. is there a country that you really want to get to know?
Two: Vietnam and Namibia.
Dear Birgit, we would like to sincerely thank you and your course participants for supporting our steps children and young people through the yoga class, through which a proud three-figure sum has already been raised.
