Presidential candidates and other office-seekers routinely promise campaign swag to financial supporters such as hats, T-shirts, and coffee mugs. Democratic presidential candidate Tim Ryan has a less tangible prize in mind — mindfulness, in the form of a yoga session together.
In a Tuesday fundraising email, the Ohio congressman asked supporters to “join him on the yoga mat.” His “Healing America Through Mindful Leadership” invites the winner, chosen from a pool of people who have given $3 or more to his presidential campaign, the chance to join him and a “slew of other yogis” in an exclusive New York City yoga class.
“I’ve seen the power of yoga and mindfulness to heal anxiety and trauma first hand, especially practicing with service members,” says the email. “I believe that we can heal not only ourselves but our nation through a mindful approach to leadership.”
Ryan, the founder of the House Military Mental Health Caucus, has made veteran mental healthcare and reforming the Veterans Administration a large part of his presidential platform.
Over 20 veterans die from suicide each day. We can significantly reduce veteran trauma and suicide through holistic approaches like mindfulness and yoga. As President, I will make sure suicide prevention is front and center by ensuring every veteran gets the care they need. pic.twitter.com/0LXGzegPfZ
— Tim Ryan (@TimRyan) July 23, 2019
The yoga and meditation session, led by yoga veterans Rolf Gates and Dan Nevins, will be followed by a “special breathing session” with Eddie Stern, a New York yoga instructor.
Ryan, 46, is a longtime advocate of meditation practices. The former high school quarterback published a 2012 book, A Mindful Nation, about the practice of mindfulness in both private and public life.
“If more citizens can reduce stress and increase performance — even if only by a little — they will be healthier and more resilient. They will be better equipped to face the challenges of daily life, and to arrive at creative solutions to the challenges facing our nation.”
