Mission Statement

Yoga for Our Lives — integrating yoga and mindfulness into education to meet academic standards, support student wellbeing, and prevent violence.

Yoga for our lives – started as a non-profit to focus on integrating wellness and mindful movement into the schools by looking at curriculum and PE standards in state of Massachusetts – it grew into more than yoga for our lives as it merged with individual practices and focused on different individuals and communities. Practices that are customized to fit a group within a community or an individual with specific needs through a trauma informed lens.

Amy Sosne Trauma-Informed Consulting – Integrate mindfulness, non-violence, movement into schools through examining creative ways of integrating these practices and movements with accessibility and with engagement with state’s PE standards, social emotional learning curricula, and even interacting with the national ELA common core and Math standards, there is SEL curricula post-COVID, but it is passive and not teaching our students to actively regulate their emotions, interactions with individuals, and feel confident in their ability to de-escalate during frustrating situations. infuse active learning and student-centered learning into curricula. Letting students become leaders and feel empowered that they can create an impact or that they are capable of achieving.

Why This Mission Matters

Addressing Gaps in Education: Massachusetts PE and health curriculum guidelines have not been updated since 1999. Our program fills that gap by blending academic standards with yoga and mindfulness.
Early Intervention: By introducing yoga and mindfulness at the elementary level, we help detect, screen, and prevent emotional struggles such as anger, frustration, and tendencies toward violence.
Building Lifelong Skills: From kindergarten through high school, students can learn age-appropriate yoga and mindfulness techniques that promote peace, resilience, and self-awareness.
Supporting Educators: We also aim to train teachers in simple, effective practices they can use to manage classrooms, build community, and address behavioral concerns.

“Yoga and mindfulness are not just practices—they are lifelong tools that help us calm our bodies, focus our minds, and heal our hearts. Every child and adult deserves the chance to experience that sense of peace and empowerment.”

Goals

Elementary Focus (K–6) – Develop curricula that incorporate movement, breathing, and mindfulness alongside academic subjects like math and ELA, enhancing retention and engagement.
Secondary Focus (7–12) – Reinforce coping and mindfulness skills with age-appropriate lesson plans for teens navigating stress, peer pressure, and emotional challenges.
Teacher Training – Provide educators with yoga and mindfulness techniques that can be used in classrooms and in dedicated school wellness spaces.
Dedicated Wellness Rooms – Establish school spaces where students can practice yoga and mindfulness when feeling overwhelmed or at risk of emotional dysregulation.

Long-Term Goals

Addressing methodology in order to make our students active participants in learning, impactful, and increase self-efficacy and confidence
Need students to feel empowered – all part of trauma-informed education and lens
Start this at a young age

Prevention Through Compassion

Just as preventive medicine screens for early signs of illness, Yoga for Our Lives screens for emotional disturbances and prevents the metastasis of hatred, anger, and violence. Our goal is to intervene before violence takes root in our schools and communities.

We believe prevention should be the first priority, not just stricter laws or emergency responses. Teaching compassion, coping skills, and community building from an early age creates a stronger, safer foundation for society.

Our Story

Inspired by the March for Our Lives movement, Yoga for Our Lives began with a powerful community class in North Adams, Massachusetts, where over 150 people practiced together in solidarity. 100% of proceeds supported Everytown for Gun Safety. This event highlighted the unifying power of yoga and the urgent need to address the violence threatening our youth.

Since then, Yoga for Our Lives has continued to grow, teaching children and adults across communities, advocating for mindfulness in education, and working to create schools where students feel safe, supported, and empowered.

Vision for the Future

We envision a future where yoga and mindfulness are embedded into every level of education—from preschool through college. A future where students are given the lifelong skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and cultivate peace within themselves and their communities.

Our ultimate mission: to prevent violence before it begins by teaching compassion, mindfulness, and resilience to the next generation.

👉 Together, we can transform classrooms, empower teachers, and give our youth the tools they need to build a safer, kinder, and more connected world.