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If you are considering donations, I hope you will remember to include Genesis/Tree of Life in the list of nonprofit organizations you support. We welcome your donations; all gifts are tax-deductible. Please direct questions to rachellegenesissociety@gmail.com or call (718) 544-5997.

There are several areas in which your contributions are needed:


Arthritis Program:
 The Genesis Society and Tree of Life Yoga has divised a yoga program, with guidance from the Arthritis Foudation, for people with arthritis. Studies show a program of yoga poses, breathing and relaxation significantly reduces joint tenderness and swelling for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to research funded in part by the Arthritis Foundation. We are very close to our goal, with a grant from the Arthritis Foundation and contributions from private individuals, we can make this program a reality.


The Genesis Society Building Fund:
 Our immediate goal is a substantial expansion of our center in order to create additional space to increase the programs we can provide to the community. We are currently involved with a building fund drive to raise $108,000.00 and your help is urgently needed to make this possible.

Residential Program: Yoga for Kids with Cancer

In our residential program we offer children a week of fun and learning in which there are planned activities such as hiking with a naturalist, story-telling around a fireplace, learning to play chess, swimming, or just sitting on our deck overlooking a lake playing a game of checkers and watching a beautiful sunset. While the children are with us they will participate in our on-going program of yoga and karate for kids with cancer. In this program the children will not only strengthen their bodies and minds, but they will develop attitudes and strategies for health and healing. Meditation as well as healing visualizations are emphasized. More information.

9/11:MIND BODY PROGRAMS FOR POST TRAUMATIC STRESS:
Since 9/11 there has been an increased rate of PTSD in New York. Two organization of city servants have been espically efffected: the NYPD and NYFD with this program we will establish on going Mind Body Groups as a free service for these two classes of civil servants. Your contributions will make this possible.

The Center for Mind Body Medicine is an organizations doing important healing work with war torn areas and deserving of your support independently of any contributions you make to our fund. Please visit their website and support their work. http://www.cmbm.org/

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE:
Your contributions may be earmarked for our interfaith Dialogue Program. Your contribution will make it possible for us to bring the teachers and presenters that are needed to help us continue our programs leading to interfaith dialogue.

PILOT STUDY GRANT FUNDS: YOGA FOR MS:
 A study to determine the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits, including greater flexibility; more strength; improved walking steadiness; ability to counter fatigue and restore vitality; less spasticity, stiffness, and pain; improved memory and concentration; less anxiety; less depression; better sleep; overallsense of well-being; high degree of personal empowerment; ability to implement practical strategies in daily life that reduce stress; and enjoyment of a much higher quality of life. Funds needed to implement this study prior to full grant are $30,000. Please help to make this much needed study a reality. Your contributions are very much needed as the project is imminent.

 

Yoga and Martial Arts Combined Therapy for Kids with Cancer
A new program, MARTIAL ARTS FOR KIDS WITH CANCER, is beginning in the spring of 2009 for children with cancer at the Genesis Tree of Life Yoga and Wellness Center. As with their YOGA FOR KIDS WITH CANCER program, the main goal is to empower the children and their families and to inspire a vision of health and healing. Genesis Tree of Life is part of The Genesis Society, a 501 C 3 not-for-profit organization, that has served the New York community since 1996, and this program, along with their classes for SENIORS WITH ARTHRITIS and YOGA FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MS, is offered as a free program. The main elements and benefits of YOGA FOR KIDS WITH CANCER are,

  • Physical Benefits: greater flexibility, greater muscle strength, muscle endurance, and improved coordination.
  • Enhanced Self-Awareness: tuning in to our bodies and minds.
  • Bolstering Self-Esteem: as we gain greater control over the body and mind.
  • Enhanced Imagination and Empathy: Many of the poses we use are based on the natural world (i.e., Bhujanngasana - the cobra; Vrksasana - the tree; Adho Mukha Svanasana - the downward dog; Bakasana - the crow). Children learn to connect with other forms of life and to awaken the recognition of its continuity.
  • Fun in a Non-Competitive Environment: Yoga teaches an internal attitude of integration of mind-body-spirit. It is thus about unity (the meaning of yoga, yug which in Sanskrit means union). There is no right or wrong way in our teaching. Rather it is about a continuing process of increased awareness and connection with our own life.
  • Relationship: We teach the importance of relationships and working together to help each other in the journey of yoga and the journey of life.
  • Discipline: An unromantic word, yet a most essential quality to develop for any serious progress. Yoga helps to develop a subtle and powerful inner self-discipline. Children practice a slowing down of the stimulation of our high-paced lives by holding yoga postures and becoming observant of the feelings and sensations that are generated. Breath work and chanting are emphasized for their ability to focus the mind and body. In this way, children are encouraged toward self-mastery.
  • Strengthening Family Ties: We encourage family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family members) to practice yoga at home with the children. Yoga helps to create bonds which bring families closer together.
  • Learning Relaxation Response and Getting Control of Stress: Children in our program learn to use meditation or breathing to initiate the relaxation response and to focus the mind.
  • Healing visualizations and Affirmations: Disease is as much a mental pattern as it is a physical condition in the body. The children in our program develop a wellness consciousness and learn to shift into healing mental patterns.

Thank you for your support, and may this year be one of light, health and joy for you.


R' Rene David Alkalay, PhD., ND
Spiritual Director
Genesis/Tree of Life
718-544-5997