The Bronx is home to some of the poorest communities in New York City. On average Bronx residents spend over 60% of their income towards rent. Scarce are funds left for simple luxuries. Bronx County also ranks worst in the state in terms of health. And on top of that our kids are graduating high school at a disappointing rate of just 30%. Neither the schools or kids are bad. We're just a community in need.

We need a lot of healing.

A community meditation center can provide Bronx residents a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. A place where we can support one another without regard for race, religion, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, economic or social status. It can be a safe haven for our kids where they can clear their mind, be at peace, learn skills that will last them a lifetime without judgement.

Meditation's benefits include

• Relief from stress and anxiety (meditation mitigates the effects of the “fight-or-flight” response, decreasing the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline)
• Decreased blood pressure and hypertension
• Lower cholesterol levels
• More efficient oxygen use by the body
• Increased production of the anti-aging hormone DHEA
• Restful sleep: studies show a good night's sleep every night can lead to feeling more energized all day
• Increased awareness: providing the ability to absorb information more quickly, come up with the answers to questions faster.
• Improved concentration: can help our kids earn better grades in school 

Current meditation centers like Dahn Yoga are great places to meditate but often charge more than what most Bronxites can afford. Having a free meditation center allows those who wouldn't normally have access to meditation a chance to reap its benefits.