The 2025 small neighbourhood grant programme allowed me the opportunity to reach out to my Yoga instructor, Barb Frimm, from Kelowna, to come to the Trout Lake Community Centre and teach a chair yoga class. Barb suggested that David Artacho, a soundbath/soundbowl & healing therapy specialist, join the group. The NSG co-ordinator was kind enough to extend the timeline to March 15th, as the hall was undergoing delayed renovations.
What a great turnout! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed both practice genres. No one in the group of 13 had experienced anything like this. The one-hour chair yoga session was definitely a first for everyone. This is an especially beneficial form of exercise for a group of older students and for individuals who are experiencing any array of injuries or pain. Barb moved us through a very gentle form of restorative chair yoga, focusing on each part of the body.
The next hour was spent with David focusing on each volunteer who stood in the healing sound bowl. Everyone who was guided through the session commented on how surprised and enthralled they were to have experienced this incredible process. Some were in tears afterwards. Others simply felt at peace.
For 2026, I would like to reapply for this grant, as all who attended expressed that they would return for more sessions. Thank you for this opportunity. Regards, Charisse Lansing
