Don't Miss: Mega-Yoga Event at the Summer Solstice

WHITE PLAINS, NY — On June 21, Get On Your Mat For Mental Health returns to the Hudson Valley for what promises to be an inspiring and empowering event for the community. Hailed as “one of the world’s most inspiring mega-yoga events” by Well + Good, the event draws hundreds of participants.

Get On Your Mat For Mental Health kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with live performances by world music trio House of Waters and a yoga marketplace full of community partners, vendors and sponsors. Attendees can also strike their favorite yoga pose in a photo booth and join a social media awareness campaign, telling the world why they believe #MentalHealthMatters.

At 6:30 p.m., everyone will get on their mat for an hour-long class, suitable for all levels and ages, led by renowned teacher Beryl Bender Birch.

“In today’s world, we all need a way to maintain mental and physical wellness,” said Bender Birch. “I am thrilled to be joining MHA as we all get on our mats for mental health!” Bender Birch, who has been teaching yoga for more than 40 years, is also the founder of the Give Back Yoga Foundation and creator of the “Power Yoga” concept.

On Your Mat For Mental Health will be held at Turnure Park in White Plains. It is sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Westchester. It raises vital funding and awareness for mental health issues and services.

“The Mental Health Association of Westchester believes in the power of supporting one’s whole health, and we know that yoga and mindfulness can be effective tools for those experiencing depression, anxiety or psychosis,” said Charlotte Ostman, MHA’s new CEO. “Get On Your Mat For Mental Health is an exciting opportunity to showcase this, as well as foster dialogue about mental health issues. Raising awareness in our community and encouraging open conversation is a critical step in erasing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. We are incredibly grateful for the support of the City of White Plains in this initiative!”

White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach will take the stage to welcome the crowd, and Lorin Richardson, traffic anchor and host of Fitness Friday on Fios1, will join the event as emcee.

Get On Your Mat For Mental Health is suitable for all ages and levels, from beginner to guru. The first 250 registrants will receive a complimentary yoga mat and bag courtesy of White Plains Hospital. For more information and to register, visit www.mhawestchester.org/yoga. Pre-registration is $25; day-of registration is $30. Children under 12 can register at the “little yogi” rate of $15.

Sponsors of this event include TD Bank; NewYork-Presbyterian / Westchester Division; New York Sports Medicine Institute; Stop & Shop; Examiner Media; The Inside Press; Natural Awakenings; Stacy Knows; 100.7 WHUD; WAG; Westchester County Business Journal; and Wee Westchester.

For more than 70 years, The Mental Health Association of Westchester has promoted mental health in Westchester through advocacy, community education and direct services. MHA offers a range of services that are recovery-oriented, trauma-informed and individualized to promote recovery and wellness. To learn more, click here.