BUCKHANNON — In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a unique event is set to take place at 1 Market Square Plaza in Buckhannon on Monday.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Free Yoga & Community Gathering will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on MLK Day, Monday, Jan. 15.
This community-oriented event aims to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by combining the practice of gentle yoga, journaling, group sharing and meditation. The event is open to everyone, and it is not just a day of service; it’s an opportunity to embody Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings and principles, according to event organizers.
Certified yoga instructor and AmeriCorps VISTA Jessica Bryzek is one of those organizers.
“It’s based on Martin Luther King’s teachings and his principles, so we’re going to be doing a yoga flow, and as we go through the flow, we’ll touch on some of his teachings,” Brysek said. “After the yoga, we’ll have some time for reflection and journaling where people can reflect on areas that need new connections in their lives, so there will also be opportunities for group sharing afterward to create that community aspect.”
The workshop will delve into three key themes: Finding union in opposites — linking social and ecological issues; Peace begins with me — cultivating inner stillness; and Living in a beloved community — exploring our interconnected web of being.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats and journals.
“If people have their own yoga mats, they can bring it and bring their journal,” Bryzek said. “We’ll have some paper and a pen if people don’t have that stuff. People are also welcome to bring in nonperishable food items if they want but keep in mind that the event is completely free. We will donate the items brought into Free Meals Appalachia.”
The event will flow through a yoga session that incorporates Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings, followed by moments of reflection and journaling.
“After the yoga, we’ll have some time for reflection and journaling, where people can reflect on areas that need new connection in their life,” Bryzek explained. “There will also be opportunities for group sharing afterward to create that community aspect.”
