TALK & Blindfold YOGA EVENT
Friday 29th November 2019
Wirksworth Memorial Hall
11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Guest Speaker Simon Mahoney author of “A Descent Into Darkness” will give an enlightening talk about sight loss with hints & tips of how to live well with it and how to give support to those suffering.
Followed by an optional blindfold gentle Yoga practice to bring you more awareness to your other senses.
Every day 250 people start to lose their sight in UK As of 2015, more than two million people in the UK are living with sight loss that is severe enough to have a significant impact on their daily lives, such as not being able to drive. More than 25,000 blind and partially sighted children aged 16 years and under in UK.
Come along and meet Simon, ask questions or just listen.
Simon’s Website: www.WingingItBlind.com
All donations go to Wirksworth Book Festival Fund!
More info contact Linda on 07909 621730 or email info@YogaForMovement.com
Simon’s Website www.WingingItBlind.com
Link to RNIB Website http://www.rnib.org.uk
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LAST YEAR – Saturday 17th November
St.Oswalds Church Hall, Ashbourne, DE6 1AN
Come join us on Saturday Morning for Yoga & to hear a talk from our guest speaker Blind Veteran Simon Mahoney. Come and support this campaign to raise awareness to sight loss. Simon will give a brief talk about his incredible experience of going blind! Improvising, adapting and overcoming his sight loss with determination to get on with his life and writing a book along the way to help other people understand and support others with sight loss. ‘A Descent Into Darkness’ can be pre-ordered or purchased at the book launch on Saturday 24th November in Ashbourne Library.
Then I’ll guide you safely through a Mindful Yoga Practice seated in Chairs and then onto Yoga Mats if you wish. You’ll have an opportunity to wear a blindfold to briefly simulate what it might be like to live with sight loss. You’ll be encouraged to awaken and focus on your other senses through a fun and safe activity.
To reserve your place please contact Linda on 07909 621730 or email info@YogaForMovement.com
SIMON MAHONEY – Author of ‘A Descent Into Darkness’
Simon’s forthcoming Book brings A UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO SIGHT LOSS
For more information about Simon’s Sight Loss, Pre-Ordering a copy or making a donation towards his publication costs go to www.WingingItBlind.Com
…November 2017 – Yoga helps Simon Mahoney – (Blind Veteran) to raise awareness to sight loss & raise £180 for RNIB Charity
Simon Mahoney – British Armed Forces Veteran
Blind Veteran Simon Mahoney (aged 70) was a wonderful guest at the ‘Yoga in the Dark Experience’ at Ashbourne Town Hall on Friday evening. Simon is Beneficiary Recruitment Ambassador at Blind Veterans UK.
Simon gave an enlightening talk about his experience of sight loss and described the tension between being helped and the helper’s perspective. He then demonstrated a proprioception exercise he uses to help him feel where his body and limbs are oriented in space.
Simon aged 70 then surprised the rest of the Yoga Class by joining in the 50 minute Yoga practice including guided relaxation.
Simon said “It was most enjoyable and I found that it has restored my faith in my balance. I found it accessible. It’s another step towards being a ‘normal’ human being”.
The rest of the Yoga class wore a blindfold to simulate what it might be like to live with sight loss during the class. They each made a donation to the RNIB (a total of £180 was raised) in return for a unique sensory experience as part of the charity’s ‘In The Dark’ fundraising campaign taking place throughout November. They said Simon’s talk was fascinating and found the Yoga experience to be both relaxing and calming.
Linda Ellis from Ashbourne based Yoga For Movement said:
“I am incredibly grateful to Simon for his extremely positive approach to this whole sight loss awareness event. His willingness to adapt to such a new experience is truly admirable. I hope that this event inspires others to practice some gentle forms of Yoga irrespective of their ability and or disability. Teaching at this Yoga in the Dark event has really highlighted just how accessible Yoga can be for people living with sight loss.
Alex McDowell, Head of Community, Legacy and Challenge Events at RNIB, said:
“The money Yoga For Movement has raised will help us continue to provide emotional and practical support to people with sight loss here in the UK, so we’re really grateful for their support.”
To read about Simon Mahoney’s experience of sight loss, visit :-
Simon Mahoney – Blind Veterans UK https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/articles/a-descent-into-darkness-by-simon-mahoney/
About RNIB
Every 15 minutes, someone in the UK begins to lose their sight. We are the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and we’re here for everyone affected by sight loss – that’s over 2 million people in the UK. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
