In San Francisco there is a lot going on pretty much all of the time. From all of the buses, trains and trolley cars to the astounding architecture, the city abounds with energy. Union Square is one of those places in San Francisco that always has something new to look at or an event to check out.

City of Hope’s “Yoga for Hope” is a yearly event held in Union Square. I cover the event for City of Hope mainly because almost my entire family has already passed away with some sort of cancer and this is my way of giving back. I am enthralled by the mixture of Eastern and Western medicines, just as Stephanie Snyder said in the interview I did with her.

Q: How has being involved with ‘Yoga for Hope’ and City of Hope inspired you?

A: I’m always inspired when East and West can come together for people who really need cutting edge technology with compassionate and energetically sensitive care. My Uncle was treated for cancer at City of Hope and his care was absolutely second to none.

Q: What is your favorite part of the event?

A: Raising awareness around compassionate care and yoga and being able to support such a great cause. It is an honor to be a part of such an enormously strong yoga community. Also, 300 people in Savasana in the middle of Union Square is pretty bad-ass.

Doing yoga in the middle of San Francisco outside has got to be pretty unique and quieting down like that in the city is quite a feat, and let me tell you, very interesting to watch. I am very interested in how people become involved in these types of charity events, each and every persona adds a very personal touch to it. When I asked Darren why he is involved, he had this to say “As an HIV+ man I have long been a supporter of the important work that City of Hope is doing for cancer, HIV and other diseases.  When they asked me to support them, I was very honored.  I can’t think of a more worthy cause!”

“I love watching passers by stop and watch all the yoga that is happening.  It both excites them about  yoga and educates them about the important work that City of Hope is doing. Last year we raised so much money by simply doing what we all love—yoga!  It is amazing to me that when we do what we love with mindfulness and an open and generous heart, profound healing happens in the world.  Yoga for Hope is such a powerful reminder of that principle.” ~Darren Main

It is coming up please register today for Yoga for Hope taking place on Saturday, September 17th! Please feel free see their site for more information or to make a donation.

Last Year’s Teachers were Stephanie Snyder and Darren Main (this year too!)

Music: Eric Monkhouse (this year too!)

Performers last year: Lauren Slater, Jeremy Simon and Seren Rubens

This year there are workshops!