Sheila with daughter, Lensey

Yoga proved helpful in Sheila Habacker’s recovery from her bone marrow transplant. After fully recovering, she became certified as a yoga teacher where she learned she could teach yoga to the underserved. She is one of many who volunteer in this way with Small World Yoga. She says, “I don’t know if they ever think about it again or not. But, I hope it gives them a tool to create ways to relieve stress in their body and mind. To help them let go of something.”

She also says she does only what she can do, so she chooses to lead two classes. She teaches yoga to at-risk youth at Oasis Center as well as patients recovering from chemical dependency at Rolling Hills Hospital.

Not everyone can teach yoga, but most people have special talents or interests. Sheila says “it comes to down to identifying (how the volunteer) can be the most authentically helpful to people.” Additionally, “when you can give in a way that means something to you,” it is meaningful to both the volunteer and those receiving the services.