Hindu American Seva Charities Kicks Off "Yogathon"

A handful of Livingston residents, include Deputy Mayor Rudy Fernandez, gathered on a steamy Sunday afternoon at the Federated Church of Livingston for a free yoga class and discussion with Anju Bhargava, an active leader of the local and national Hindu-American community.

"The essence of Hindu culture is based on yoga," says Bhargava. "Yoga helps us to get in touch with our selves and what's healthy for us. Through this event we hope to share some of our community's insights on health and peace of mind and make it accessible for all Americans."

Bhargava is co-founder of Hindu American Seva Charities, the group that hosted the event. HASC has asked temples across the country to open their doors to the greater public for a "yogathon." More than 100 sites in 22 states are participating, many in traditional temples but others in borrowed space, such as the Federated Church. 

"I didn't want Livingston to miss out, just because we don't have a temple," Bhargava explained. "This church, here in Memorial Hall, is the first place [the Livingston Hindu American community] started gathering. It is symbolic for us."

The program is in response to President Barack Obama's Active Lifestyle Challenge, issued this summer. HASC will present the President and First Lady Michelle Obama with a book covering the events at all 105 locations after the yogathon is complete.

The event started with a conversation about the different styles of yoga and the significance of the practice within both the Indian and American cultures.

 "Yoga has become a universal language of spiritual exercise, crossing both religious and cultural boundaries," said Bhargava. "Yogathon builds on the popularity of yoga to help promote good health for Americans from all backgrounds."

After the brief presentation, yoga instructor Susan Helmstetter led the group in an introductory-level class, incorporating a variety of breathing techniques and a few short vinyasa sequences. When she saw that Fernandez didn't have a mat, she offered her own.

"I thought I was just here to observe!" Fernandez joked. No such luck - he was going to join the class, she said. He didn't protest, and had words of praise for Helmstetter after the hour-long session.

Helmstetter is a longtime Livingston resident. She teaches throughout the area with Art of Living.

The group gained insight into the traditional side of yoga that are not always readily available in typical yoga studios. It was a cultural experience, but one that helped show the deep connection between the American and Hindu cultures; the bridge that yoga has created.

The event kicks-off a month-long celebration of yoga. Unbeknownst to Bhargava and fellow planners, September is national Yoga Month.