Celebrate the Solstice in Westchester with Yoga and 500 Friends

An annual celebration of the connection between physical and mental wellness, Get on Your Mat for Mental Health 2014 will bring yoga practitioners from all over the region to White Plains after work June 18 to celebrate the summer solstice.

"Take your first breath of summer in community, and find a spot of serenity in the center of the city," said Constance Moustakas of the Mental Health Association of Westchester, which is sponsoring the event.

A giant master class for everyone from beginner to experienced practitioner will be led by celebrity yoga teacher Matthew Sanford.

Sanford is the author of  Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence, in which he tells the story of the shattering car accident in which he was paralyzed from the chest down and the subsequent waking of both mind and body through yoga. As he says, “The principles of yoga apply to all people and to all bodies.”

All ages are welcome.

In addition to the master class, the event will also feature live music, healthy food and displays.

The action starts at 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged, and the first 500 registrants will receive a free yoga mat and gift bag.

It's easy to register online at  www.mhawestchester.org/onyourmat

Sponsors include many local yoga studios and: 

• TD Bank
• Eileen Fisher
• Equinox 
• Nueva Alma Yoga and Wellness 
• Athleta
• Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
• Robison Oil 
• Lilli Pilli Health Bar