Are you ever so touched by something that tears well up in your eyes and your heart thumps through your chest, compelling you to reach out and say thank you? Thank you to someone who has made a difference and is living in fullest expression of selfless service and dedication?
Paige Elenson has cultivated her passion to serve the world through an amazing foundation called the Africa Yoga Project. I was honored to meet Paige at a Baron Baptiste workshop in Park City, UT this past weekend. Her journey is an inspiration to me, and a reflection of how you can take your yoga off of your mat to empower and support communities and people all over the world.
As we cultivate and nurture our own inner power and truth we become in tune with our purpose in this world. Our strength and resilience gives us the energy to extend our greatest purpose outward. Whatever that may be. We taste the benefits of yoga and are drawn to share that experience with those around us. Our light begins to shine so bright that we can’t help but share and grow into our fullest potential. Paige is a brilliant example of how yoga has empowered her to be the best that she can be for herself and others. Her light is so bright and magnificent that chills spread across my skin from her commitment and dedication to this amazing project.
A few years ago Paige and her family went to East Africa. They were driving through an impoverished African ghetto when she looked out of the car window and saw a group of young adults practicing acrobatics. As a yogini she was drawn to this sight and asked her father to pull over. He of course resisted her request and told her she was crazy, but she insisted. They pulled over and Paige jumped out of the car and immediately connected with the group of young adults. From that day forward Paige’s purpose was very clear and her dedication to East African youth became profound.
She founded the Africa Yoga Project that supports programs that empower youth and promotes well-being in East Africa through the practice of Yoga. The program brings different tribes and villages together to practice yoga in a playful and authentic way. Tribes that typically experience conflict and violence are coming together as a result of this program and learning to accept, respect and appreciate one another as people.
Paige has dedicated her life to raising money so young boys and girls in East Africa can go to school, have sufficient shelter and food, and be inspired through yoga, acrobatics and dance. She strongly supports the “Amani Circus,” which is a traveling circus that promotes peace within areas that are affected by violence, and is platform for youth leadership and nonviolence.
I am moved and inspired by Paige’s commitment to this project and want to share her work with the Yoga Today community. We all have an opportunity to touch the lives around us and share the benefits that we receive from daily yoga practice. More importantly the energy and passion that we receive can be shared with those less fortunate. Please check out The Africa Yoga Project website to learn more about this beautiful gift that has been given to the world.
Thank you Paige.


Thank you for sharing Paige’s wonderful work, Adi! I am also involved in development and it such a joy to see groups such as the AYP making positive change in the world. This is the essence of yoga in action as it is a viral spreading of felicity, compassion, and community. Each movement like this allows us to realize we are all connected, and there are many wonderful people out there working to bolster this awakening.
Gratitude to you both.
Wow. What a great idea! You’ve done great work for someone so young! Let us know how we can help! I’ve been concerned about the Sudan region..any way we can spread this there?
Om Shanti!
Dear Paige..i own a yoga studio in Southbury,Ct…We are working on becoming a Baptiste studio…I would love to help you with your project by selling your t-shirts at my studio donating all proceeds back to the project..
Please let me know how i can go about this..
namaste,
marianne Chapin
Kneading Hands
760 Main Street S.
Unit F
Southbury,Ct. 06488