Photo By Airman 1st Class Alexis Schultz | A Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) table is set up for participants to visit at Sembach Kaserne Fitness Center, Germany on April 22, 2017. Students and practitioners gathered to do the 108 sun salutation challenge to raise awareness that sexual violence is not tolerated, to support survivors and to honor the advocates who work every day to end sexual violence. (U.S. Air Force photo by A1C Alexis C. Schultz) see less
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SEMBACH KASERNE, Germany – The Sembach Kaserne Fitness Center hosts their first Yoga Salutes Nonviolence event to raise awareness for Sexual Assault and Prevention month.
More than 50 participants gathered to raise awareness that sexual violence is not tolerated, to support survivors and to honor advocates who work every day to end sexual violence.
“The intent of yoga is to practice the non-violent way of approaching life,” said Peggy Cuevas, Regional Health Command Europe Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program manager.
For some, it is traditional to perform 108 sun salutations in large groups as a representation of peace and unity. The number 108 is open to interpretation but has been considered a sacred number in yoga.
According to yogic tradition, there are 108 sacred places of the body.
Doing 108 sun salutations continuously can be challenging and requires physical endurance. The salutations took approximately 3.5 hours with few breaks in between.
"An innovative activity such as yoga brings people together for exercise and to have some discussion and reflection about the awareness of the program," said Army Colonel Michael Elliott, Regional Health Command Europe Chief of Staff. "Without awareness, you won't have prevention.
For more information on where to find yoga classes, visit your local MWR or fitness center.
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