This year NOW NYC is adding an exciting new program to their calendar. Starting January 27th will begin to offer free yoga classes at their mid-town location (150 W. 28^th St). The class is called “Head to Heal” and is specifically designed for survivors of violence and their allies.

Instructor Rebecca Rafelson, a NOW NYC board member, describes the class as “a specialized yoga program designed for women seeking healing from violence. Using an empowering, movement-based approach to healing, the program is rooted in the idea that emotional healing can be facilitated through conscious self-exploration of the body.”

While the class is geared towards creating the best space possible for victims of violence, all feminists are welcome to attend.

The class will use a “vinyasa flow”, which focuses on cultivating inner-awareness, strength and peacefulness by linking breath with movement, mind with body. Following the vinyasa flow a 30-minute cool-down, relaxation and discussion period take place. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences and connect with other class participants.

Classes will be held the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month and will begin at 6:30pm. Yoga mats will be provided.  The class is free, although donations to cover operating costs are welcome.

For more information on Head to Heal contact the NOW NYC office at 212-627-9895. For information on the other programs offered by NOW NYC visit their website http://www.nownyc.org/women/index.php

Janice Formichella Janice is a long-time women’s rights activist. Janice volunteers for the NYC Planned Parenthood Activist Council and NOW NYC. She recently received her MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management from NYU and has a goal of working with and for women in developing countries. Janice holds BA degrees in English and Women’s Studies from Arizona State University, where she founded the campus group Women Beyond Borders. Her interests include women’s history, women’s rights, pregnancy and birth, and issues related to Afghanistan. Janice writes regularly for Feminist for Choice and Feminist Review. She lives with her husband and two cats in Brooklyn.