Joyful living meets joyful giving

MEQUON — Students in the Practice for a Purpose yoga ministry at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Mequon recently practiced downward — truly facing dogs — as therapy dogs from Dawgs at Work joined the Paws & Poses class.

This event was the most recent opportunity for students to combine the personal benefits of yoga with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. While the class was free, donations were collected to benefit the InterfaithCaregivers of Ozaukee County.

Since its start, Practice for a Purpose has raised more than $25,000, with 100% of the donations going to help one of Crossroads’ mission partners.

When Ann Otte began teaching yoga classes in Mequon in 2019, her goal was to offer opportunities for people to Practice for a Purpose. She transitioned to a Zoom format in April 2020, providing the yoga community a virtual means of coping during the pandemic while continuing to nurture their

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Left, Jan Wagner of Milwaukee and her yoga partner give new meaning to the downward dog yoga pose. Right, Practice for a Purpose organizer Ann Otte, right, is with Sharyl Ponce, who is holding 9-week-old retriever Lucy. Ponce, of San Francisco, has been doing yoga virtually with Otte since the pandemic. The two met in person for the first time earlier this month.

Photos courtesy of Heather Johnson

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bodies, minds and spirits. She encouraged students to invite friends to join, and the reach of the yoga ministry began to expand.

Today the ministry is led by a team of four teachers, and students join from as far away as California.

“The Paws & Poses class brought together students who practice in person with those who practice virtually,” Otte said. “I finally met the student from California, who traveled here to specifically attend this class.”

She said the event fulfilled the vision of “joyful living” meeting “joyful giving.”

“All are welcome; you do not need to be a member of Crossroads to participate,” Otte said. “Practice for a Purpose offers something for everybody and every body.”

For more information on the program, email Otte at ann.otte@outlook.com.

Pictured are the canine participants in the April 12 Paws & Poses for a Case yoga program.

Photo courtesy of Heather Johnson