Ken Lidden; co-owner ABT Yoga Studio
It's Saturday morning at ABT Yoga Studio in Topsfield, Massachusetts. This is prime time for most yoga studios and often the biggest class of the week. And it is here too. But there is a difference. The studio owners Ken Lidden and Anne Trevenen will make no money from this class. For starters they are charging a mere seven dollars instead of the usual fourteen dollar class fee. Then, they are donating the entire proceeds from the class to their local HAWC group. (Help for Abused Women and their Children).
In the past year they have handed over some five thousand dollars to help this group. "We really want to be generous with our efforts in supporting our community" says Ken. "We see our purpose in helping others in eliminating suffering in body, mind and heart. We are not just here to help ourselves."
According to Ken and Anne the people who take advantage of the discounted class are generally those who want to make a commitment to yoga but really can't afford it. But by paying something for the class, they help themselves and help others at the same time.
The studio also offers private Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy sessions for those in need with a sliding scale fee and lets members of the community know that they will be always be welcomed no mattter their backgound or experience in yoga or their financial situation. "We are trying to build community here", says Ken, "so we won't ever turn anybody away who needs what we offer"
ABT Yoga is located at 22 South Main Street in Topsfield MA.
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