Editor:
 
The Roaring Fork Valley yoga community will come together this November for “The Gift of Gratitude,” a chance to give back and try something new. Devised by The Aspen Yoga Society and lululemon athletica Aspen, the Gift of Gratitude offers residents a chance to try all of the different yoga studios in the valley for free until Nov. 20; the only catch is that they must donate non-perishable food to Lift Up in exchange for the class. This is a win-win as you will get to try new studios and teachers and will also be helping neighbors in need.
 
The yoga community is a powerful force that can make a positive impact. We really believe in the essential services that Lift-Up provides for our community. As yogis, we feel it is our responsibility to help one another; yoga means union and through the practice we understand we are all connected.
 
The Gift of Gratitude is all about cultivating community. The promotion will culminate with a free community yoga class at Aspen High School on Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. in conjunction with the Aspen TREE free Community Meal. All participants are encouraged to volunteer to help at the meal, which served over 1000 people last year, according to Aspen TREE founder Eden Vardy.
 
The Gift of Gratitude is made possible by local studios offering their services in exchange for food that is donated to help the needy. Participating studios include: The Aspen Club and Spa, Arjuna Yoga Aspen, O2 Yoga Aspen, King Yoga Aspen Business Center, Le Cercle Studio in Basalt, Bikram’s Yoga College of India in Basalt and Carbondale and Kula Yoga on Main in Carbondale.
 
For these studios to essentially give away classes shows their commitment to community. We are hoping the community will in turn support these studios.
 
lululemon is providing a free outfit to the person who visits the most yoga classes at participating studios within the time frame. To participate in Gift of Gratitude, residents must go to lululemon athletica on Spring Street in Aspen and pick up a card. One card per person and one class per studio per person. You will get a sticker from each studio after class to put on the card. More info at lululemon or www.aspenyogasociety.org [1]
 
Let the fun begin.

Gina Murdock
Aspen