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Chelsea Keenan yogi | community cultivator | adventurer

CHELSEA'S WEBSITE

CHELSEA'S INSTAGRAM

FOUNDRY RIDGE MEADOWS

MOMS GONE WILD

On your website, you state that you “want [your] purpose to be helping through sharing”. What does that mean to you? I first started to do the work and look inwards when I was living in Calgary after university graduation. I sought out a counsellor and built my network of supports. I began sharing with others that my anxiety was high and I was experiencing blue days. I began to be more kind to myself and learn more about the resources and tools available for mental health. In 2019, my family went through a difficult time and I was at an all-time low. During COVID, I decided I wanted to create a platform, my website, to share my story and highlight others who are doing inspiring things in our community. My goal for sharing is to inspire others to be vulnerable and open– we all have a story. One of my biggest learnings over the past few years is that you cannot control the cards you are dealt but you sure can work with what you have to create the best hand. On July 22, 2021, Chelsea hosted "Yoga in the Park for Lytton" with the help of local businesses and partners. What inspired you and Cheryl (Moms Gone Wild) to organize Yoga in the Park for Lytton? Seeing the town of Lytton going through a hardship, we knew we needed to do something and we needed to do it fast. Cheryl and I came together and created the event within two weeks – thank you Cheryl for being an inspiring leader in our community! How did it feel to run a group yoga practice after not being able to do so for so long due to COVID-19? I was nervous but also, very excited. The emotion hit me at the beginning and my eyes watered up with tears. Sharing that space with that many people is hard to put into words – especially when they are all coming together to donate to a cause. Yoga is what helped me when my anxiety was at an all- time high. It forced me to sit on my mat and deal with my “stuff.” I used to run a lot (and still do) but I foundwhen I ran, I was running away from my emotions and the thoughts but with yoga, I was forced to be still, be present, and conquer those feelings of unsettled and being distracted head on. Yoga is a special practice – you can do it alone or with others. There is something special that happens when you move your body and focus on your breath, and being able to share that with otherswhile fundraisingmoney for a local cause - that is the ultimate way to cultivate a community. What inspired you to become a yogi and to use yoga to bring people together?

Tell us a little about yourself. I am 31 years old. I was born in beautiful Maple Ridge, BC. I enjoy teaching yoga and meeting new people – building connection. Community inspires me. I make time for those I love. I work in communications and go from corporate attire to gym gear. I love to run by the ocean and ski in the mountains. I am an enthusiastic auntie to three little boys (Finn, Lochie and Shep). I’m inspired by my mom, Cheryl, my older sister, Carissa and my big bro, Lee. I like to spend time in nature, amongst the trees. I enjoy black americanos and good craft beer. Once the world opens up again, I can’t wait to explore more countries. What is your favourite thing about Maple Ridge? Golden Ears Mountain – the top of that mountain holds a special place in my family’s heart. It is a place of healing. I even have it tattooed onmy foot, alongwith an oceanwave to represent adventures and going with the flow (which I remind myself to do daily). Why do you feel called to cultivate community? When I was living abroad, I wanted to bring something back to the community. I was living in Australia at the time and I noticed families would gather in local parks after a surf – enjoy yoga, put their devices away and just be present together. I wanted to create something similar here in Maple Ridge. First, we started with yoga in the park and the rest was history. Thanks to local businesses like Silver Valley Brewing and Moms Gone Wild, I have hosted over 60 charity yoga events. All events are by-donation and all money collected goes towards local not-for-profits or local families going through a difficult time. Seeing people coming together to share their energy and space to give back, that is the most rewarding.

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