Courtesy of the Endangered Wolf Center
Linda Mataya is not just interested in healing mind and body; she’s interested in helping her community. A yoga instructor with over 22 years of experience, Mataya has used her passion for yoga to raise funds for local nonprofits and promote fitness. This weekend, her event Wolves and Yoga uses downward dogs and mountain poses to help the Endangered Wolf Center.
At Wolves and Yoga, guests can get their exercise, then tour the wolf pens and observe the animals.
“It's just a win-win,” Mataya says. “I get to create a safe space for people to practice yoga in hopes that they, too, will experience the benefits of yoga while at the same time assisting an awesome organization [that will] benefit.”
Opened in 1971, the Endangered Wolf Center is dedicated to protecting and preserving endangered canids. They are the only facility in North America that specializes in preserving endangered species such as red, maned, or Mexican wolves.
Mataya has hosted similar programs for the World Bird Sanctuary, Hearts and Hopes for Uganda, the Ronald McDonald House, and several women's shelters.
And ideally, yoga won't just benefit the Endangered Wolf Center; it'll also help its practitioners. “It strengthens your physical and mental being. It improves your posture, which improves your digestion, your breathing, your core, and your balance, to name a few. It re-aligns you, increases your flexibility, and exercises your organs. It strengthens and tones you,” she says. “It also slows you down to be in the present moment. It gives you quiet time with your self.”
Mataya says she wants the event to serve exercisers of every level. “It's a great way for newbies or experienced yogis, to come experience and hopefully enjoy the practice in an awesome environment,” Mataya adds. “I also hope it will raise awareness for the EWC and their mission.”
Wolves and Yoga takes place from 4–7 p.m. on Sunday, July 23 and Sunday, September 17 at the Endangered Wolf Center (6750 Tyson Valley, Eureka). Tickets are $20 per adult and $15 per child. Call 636-938-5900 to reserve tickets or visit the website for more information.
