Kelowna yogis pose in the name of sustainability

A Kelowna-based non-profit had yoga enthusiasts of all levels and abilities stretching and posing in the name of sustainability at the French Cultural Centre in Kelowna over the weekend.

GECCO (Global Empowerment Coalition for the Central Okanagan) hosted an event called, Self-Care for World Care: Yoga for Global Goals, on Saturday.

The event was a success, according to member and organizer, Kusum Wijesekera and the group is hoping to run the event again in order to reach schools and larger audiences.

"Saturday was an inspiring day to see people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities come out to enjoy something meaningful together and to truly connect from the beginning to the end," stated Wijesekera.

The event combined two aspects of building a sustainable and global community: self-care and world-care. Each yoga pose was designed to align with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

"People resonated with the concept of mindfulness in the yoga practice combined with the understanding of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals."

Some of the poses included the windshield wiper legs, which focused on sustainable transport such as cycling.

Another mindful posture included the tree pose, and participants were encouraged to be mindful of deforestation and as well as ways to protect the many forests in B.C. and around the world.

GECCO member and facilitator, Tamara McLellan said that awareness and education were the first important steps in making a difference.

"Some participants mentioned they now have a better understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and can help encourage others to work towards them," said McLellan.

While it can be overwhelming for the mind to comprehend numerous world issues at once, GECCO organizers tried to provide a positive environment during the mindfulness process.

"Things in the world are changing quickly and with so many economic, environmental and social issues, it can become overwhelming," said McLellan. "It is important for people to gather in this time in positive ways to fill their own cup so they can fulfill all the other roles they play in society."

Keep an eye out for GECCO in the new year, as it'll be partnering with Global Citizen Kelowna in February to host Global Marketplace.

GECCO is a non-profit focused on working towards sustainable change - both locally and globally.

For more information on GECCO, visit the Central Okanagan website, here.