Spurwink Kineo: Program Spotlight October 2023
By Sheila Sullivan, Program Director
Sea Change has been offering weekly Chair Yoga classes at Spurwink Kineo since the program launched in May 2023. Lytfi Volksmyth, Kineo’s Associate Director, shared:
“Kineo provides residential treatment services focused on recovery from mental health issues. We focus on the wellness of the whole individual and their journey to develop meaningful relationships in the greater community.
Our ultimate goal for each resident is reacquisition of the skills needed for meaningful independence. To this end, our partnership with Sea Change Yoga has been profoundly symbiotic. Through the practice of mindful attention to the body, the amazing instructors at Sea Change have helped our residents acquire real growth and progress towards greater and greater wellness. These changes are easy to observe, and difficult to ultimately quantify… they are often as deep and subtle as they are self-evident.
Our staff and residents are immensely grateful for Sea Change and its teachers. We appreciate how Sea Change Yoga’s philosophy to meet each of our residents where they are at supports every unique individual’s journey to self actualization. And, their classes never fail to put a smile on everyone’s face. For each patient, thoughtful, compassionate and fun yoga session - Thank You Sea Change!”
Lisa King has been teaching the class at Kineo since the start, and she holds a special place in her heart for this class. She shared:
“We practice all eight limbs of yoga, and the residents are interested in them all! We practice energizing breaths at the beginning of class, and calming breaths toward the end. The movement practice can feel challenging for some, but the Kineo residents do well working to find that “just right” balance of effort and surrender.
My biggest surprise has been their interest in where yoga comes from, what the purpose is, and how the philosophies of yoga overlap with each resident's personal spiritual practices, life lessons, and inner observations. Each week I am struck by their attention to what is being offered and to each other.
This residence is truly a special place, and both the residents and staff are amazing people!”
We are so appreciative of program partners like Kineo, who trust Sea Change to help their residents to find more ease and calm in their days. And heartfelt gratitude to all of our Sea Change teachers, like Lisa, who meet our students where they’re at with creativity and love!