Seated yoga series to benefit steeple fund

Sat, 10/01/2016 - 8:30am

St. Philip’s Church, 12 Hodge St., Wiscasset, is hosting a seated yoga series for six Saturday mornings at 9 a.m., beginning Oct. 8. Instructor is Susan Gallagher, certified yoga instructor. The charge is by donation, with all proceeds going to the church’s steeple fund.

The St. Philip’s steeple, created in 1857, is the oldest and tallest on the Wiscasset skyline. A few years ago, the steeple was showing signs of serious deterioration. Concerned, the congregation committed to its restoration, paying for structural repairs of the spire. In order to finish the work, the church acknowledged the need for greater support. Applying for assistance, St. Philip's was awarded a generous grant from the Maine Steeples Fund, a unique component fund of the Maine Community Foundation, that will provide $14,848 to the project — if St. Philip’s can raise the same amount. Gallagher has stepped forward to do her part toward this effort.

According to the Get Fit Where You Sit chair yoga website, those with disabilities, weight challenges and inflexibility, as well as those who have limited space to experience a full mat practice, can benefit from chair yoga. The chair replaces the yoga mat and becomes an extension of the body, allowing one to take full advantage of yoga’s fitness and health potential without the strain of getting up and down. Even those confined to a wheelchair can receive the many benefits of chair yoga: the integration of body, mind, and spirit by practicing the modified poses.

For more information, contact Gallagher at susan_gllghr@yahoo.com, or St. Philip’s at 882-7184. Wear loose clothing to the sessions.