Middle East Project Summary
Who we are:
Purpose
Project Summary
Initial Action
Evaluation and Support
Long Term Project Funding and Vision
The Heart of Yoga Association, begun by Mark Whitwell, is a group of dedicated individuals who seek to communicate the principles of Yoga practice around the world to add value and clarity to people's lives.
Purpose
As part of our vision, we see a need in the Middle East to promote yoga practice as an ethical exercise which does not contradict or seek to supplant religious beliefs and practices. Yoga is a non-religious unifying principle which can bring understanding and commonality between varied ethnic and national groups in this region.
Project Summary
We seek to develop Yoga programs, education and teacher training in the Middle East. This is a long term project which will yield increasing results as the message of Yoga is spread.
Initial Action
The project will begin by recruiting and training 50 teachers from countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Palestine and others in the region. We will bring 50 applicants to the U.S. and place them in a neutral setting for a two week intensive teacher training program that will include practice and philosophy. By removing the participants from their societies, we will create a small intra-national group of dedicated individuals who will bond together in purpose, and take their understanding of Yoga back to their homes as a vehicle for peace in their respective communities.
Evaluation and Support
To provide ongoing support for the trained teachers, evaluating the impact of the training, making modifications where needed and recruiting additional teachers, Mark Whitwell and/or members of the Heart of Yoga Association will continue traveling to the region as part of a long term commitment to this project.
Long Term Project Funding and Vision
Mark Whitwell and the Heart of Yoga Association members will continue to support and fund additional teacher training and education through a combination of non-profit grants, corporate and individual donations. Our vision is one of hope, compassion and tolerance in this troubled region.
| Heart of Yoga Association 340 North Lucerne Ave Los Angeles, CA 90004 Phone: 323.646.3858 mark@heartofyoga.com www.heartofyoga.com |