“I remember when there were 10 funerals in one week here for people due to a batch of bad heroin. It was rough,” said local author and yoga studio owner, Taylor Hunt, who details his recovery from alcohol and heroin addiction in his book, A Way from Darkness.
September is National Recovery Month. Hunt and his spouse, Jessica, are working on ways to help people with recovery from addiction and stay sober through the Trini Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) in Worthington, Ohio.
Hunt is seeking corporate sponsors and individuals to benefit the Trini Foundation programs that help people stay sober. Donations go towards providing free yoga and mindfulness classes in treatment centers and yoga scholarships all over the world.
“The work we do now has the potential to transform a life,” said Hunt. “I am not kidding.”
After multiple rehab experiences, it was yoga that finally kept Hunt sober.
“I could feel poisons leaving my body during that first yoga class.” Since his start, Hunt has become not only a yoga teacher but studio owner of Ashtanga Yoga Columbus. He makes trips every year to India to study with the famous Sharath Jois in Mysuru.
In years past, yoga teachers and studios around the world have held fundraising classes to benefit the Trini Foundation for National Recovery Month. This year, COVID-19 has paused many of those activities, but it is important to continue the work.
“Addiction and overdose deaths are not paused,” says Hunt, “In fact, they are accelerating as more of us face uncertainty and despair.”
Starting August 22, 2020 Hunt and Ashtanga Yoga Columbus had a daily yoga challenge to raise funds. Trini Foundation is also seeking both individual and corporate donors.
“Many people come out of addiction, having burned a lot of bridges, so they often really need help,” reflects Hunt. On Saturday, September 26, 2020 Taylor Hunt will teach a special, donation-based class in-person and online at 1:00 pm EST.
In February, 2021, Ashtanga Yoga Columbus is scheduled to host a yoga and addiction forum practice week.
“It’s open for anyone who wants to be part of the solution,” says Dawn Blevins, Communications Director of the Trini Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from these practice weeks go to the Trini Foundation.
“A big part of our recovery is service to others,” said Jessica Hunt, “We are blessed to bring this to others.” The Trini Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) based in Worthington, Ohio.
More information about Trini Foundation and ways to help with recovery from addiction can be found at trinifoundation.org/nrm, including a link to register to host an event.
