A Pinellas County woman hopes to empower people through yoga, after they escape an abusive relationship. Once Kate Berlin realized how her yoga practice gave her strength to heal from her own abusive relationships, she wanted to help others regain their lives.
"I was sick and tired of being in that cycle of abuse over and over again. I wasn't in one abusive relationship, I was in two. The aftermath of abusive relationships stays much longer than the day you leave," said Berlin.
Berlin started by teaching yoga at domestic violence shelters, but she wanted to reach more people. To do that, Berlin founded the nonprofit called, The Purple Dot Yoga Project, which is headquartered in St. Pete. She works to empower and support people who have gone through domestic violence and abusive situations. The organization facilitates connections and helps people take back control of their own lives.
"We just want people to know that you are not in it alone. Once you connect with people and their stories and you can share openly and without shame, you start to see that by connecting you can overcome. It's just connecting with people, letting them know that we see you, we hear you, we can feel you, and hold you," says Kate Berlin.
The Purple Dot Yoga Project offers a free eight week one-on-one yoga program for survivors. The instructors want to help survivors turn into thrivers.
The non-profit is also hosting an event at NOVA 535 on Tuesday, April 10th, featuring discussions by strong women who have overcome adversity and trauma through creativity and persistence. Speakers include local business women and Team USA Paralymics athlete, Megan Absten.
