Yoga Is Life-Changing For Survivors Of Domestic Violence
From businessman/entrepreneur to filmmaker/Yogi, Rich Tola’s life definitely had its twists and turns. Five years ago, he was living in New York, working on Wall Street and dreaming of a life change. He had tried Yoga, failed to connect with the practice, but kept reading about it. His third taste proved that three’s a charm and he found his love for the practice, even moving to LA to learn and hone his practice, the city that many claim is the center of modern Yoga.
Giving Back
Now Tola is giving back to the Yoga community with his nonprofit organization, Boulevard Zen Foundation, launched in mid-March, and committed to changing lives through the benefits and power of Yoga. The program offers Yoga classes and lifestyle education for women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Tola’s inspiration for the foundation initiated from his deeply rooted belief that Yoga changes lives and from an extension of his film, Boulevard Zen, a story of one man who touches the lives of many through the practice of Yoga. Through the film’s protagonist, Bobby D’Angelo, a child who experienced domestic violence, Tola realized the importance of Yoga specifically for survivors. It’s an issue that has also touched Tola’s off-screen life; his father was abused as a child and Tola had girlfriends who were formerly abused. The purpose of Boulevard Zen is to give women and children the tools to improve their self-respect,” Tola says.
Get Involved
Boulevard Zen Foundation hosts Yoga instruction at Good Shepherd shelter in West Los Angeles, but their goal is to offer Yoga to domestic violence survivors to shelters across the country. Boulevard Zen is ready to launch in San Francisco, New York City and Philadelphia. They are always looking for supporters to join this cause of healing domestic survivors through Yoga. To donate, or for more information, visit: www.BoulevardZen.com
By Melissa Chua
