Amy Annis, one of the founders of 'The Yoga Tree,' teaches yoga to women in the community to help their mind and body.

Eau, Claire WI (WEAU) - Thomas Jefferson once said, "a strong body makes the mind strong."

It's a concept that a new local organization is using to branch out into the community to benefit local charities.

"I've been teaching yoga for about 10 years, but I really dove in about 5 years ago, when I was diagnosed with cancer. Coming out of that, I really wanted to do is passionate about, says Amy Annis of 'The Yoga Tree.'

Its not a sight you would normally see in someone's basement, but for breast cancer survivor Amy Annis, its a passion.

"Yoga is such a great way to live a healthy life and I used that as part of my healing process, says Annis.

For the last year, she's been stretching her branches into the community through an organization called 'The Yoga Tree.'

"I always had the idea in the back of my head that at some point I wanted to do some kind of karma, yoga project and I just have 3 wonderful friends who are also passionate about yoga and teaching it in the community. 'The Yoga Tree' happens once a month. We have kind of gone through the different charities we feel strongly about and that we know serve the Eau Claire Chippewa Valley community, says Annis.

So while Amy donates time, others like Rose Wiechmann donate money to help a specific charity in the area.

I've attended yoga tree a few times. Its nice to see the community coming together for a cause first of all. Then seeing all the other people in town that also do yoga and just a great group activity on a Saturday morning, says Wiechmann.

Read more from the original source:
ONLY ON SUNRISE: 'The Yoga Tree' branches out into community