People often seek fulfillment in life by serving others or following a deep passion toward great work. Occasionally, a few of the most blessed of us can even find a way to help others through the embrace of our passions. Ginger Gipson, a retired microbiologist and 21-year resident of Ruidoso, is one of the lucky ones.
A yoga student for 45 years, and an instructor for 16 of them, Gipson was invited to begin teaching yoga classes for the women and children residing at The Nest domestic violence shelter by Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) board member, Pat Shukis-Fraser.
After teaching only four classes, Gipson knew she had come to the right place. “I have been teaching in Carrizozo and Lincoln for 16 years and also teach at the Federated Women’s Club,” she said. “And then Pat brought me into The Nest to work with the survivors.”
Yoga is Gipson’s passion, she said. “I know how good it has been for me. I know how good it is for healing.” She noted that she has had knee and back surgery. “I wouldn’t be walking if it weren’t for my regular practice. I have seen what yoga has done for me, so I want everyone to do it.”
She reflected on her first session at The Nest. “At first, I was kind of nervous, but it has been wonderful. The ladies are very good and they keep wanting to do better! I leave here and feel like I’m on cloud nine after watching them. It feels so good.”
Gipson’s classes emphasize the physical side of yoga practice. Based on the Iyengar style of yoga, the practice is slow-paced and gentle, emphasizing flexibility, posture and relaxation.
From the classes, the women and children maintain a sense of calm, strength and solace, even during stressful times. Each session teaches them skills to build health, both physically and mentally, and handle difficulty through breathing and focus.
“With her generosity, Gipson is providing the opportunity for our survivors to further grow and develop,” Coleen Widell, HEAL’s executive director, said. “Everyone has some kind of gift that can be shared to help others get along in their journey. We love to see people from our community coming to support our residents in these kinds of unique ways like Ginger has. The residents are very much enjoying and benefiting from her classes.”
Pictured is Ginger Gipson, volunteer yoga instructor at the Nest domestic violence shelter.
