Feedback From the Field: Volunteerism

In a previous issue of Inner IDEA Body-Mind-Spirit Review, we asked: Have you found ways to volunteer in your community? How has your involvement transformed you and the people you teach?

“I use my education in nutrition and exercise to promote wellness in my community. I offer local PTA presidents my time to lead a meeting focusing on how to prepare healthy lunches, how to nudge picky eaters toward healthier options and how to add 10 “pack a wallop” foods to family diets.

“Additionally, I talk to parents about the importance of exercise in their lives and the important roles they play as mentors for their children. I give them ideas about how to involve the entire family in being more active while also creating awareness about ‘going green.’

“I also [teach] nutrition education [classes] to the “science Olympiads” at our local middle school. These kids compete in many areas of science nationally, and not only have they learned the principles of good nutrition; they have won championships! Lastly, I offer local chapters of the National Charity League my time to lead discussions on healthy eating, exercise and self-esteem.

“These opportunities have never failed to reward me and continue to make me accountable for my own life-long journey of wellness.”

— Ann Rockeman, San Diego, California

“I teach yoga to an inner city high school. The class started out with 80-100 kids, and now I teach to about 40-50 young people. I teach them about anger, jealousy and [feeling] overwhelmed. They clap when I visit because I am able to get right inside them. I challenge them to be great because they are the future. We have a blast.”

— Gurutej, Los Angeles, California