YMCA of Middle Tennessee

☀️ It may be hot outside, but it’s always cool at the Y. Jump into one our refreshing pools or exercise in the cool comfort of our indoor workout areas. Not a member? Join today! ➡️ ymcamidtn.org/join

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Independence Day with the whole family? The 25th annual Andrews Cadillac Firecracker 5K/10K and Luken Kids Fun Run 1K, hosted by the Brentwood Family YMCA, takes place on July 4. There's still time to sign up! Every runner gets a medal, and the race is open to all. For more details and to register, visit: ymcamidtn.org/race-series

June is Pride Month! The purpose of Pride is not just to celebrate, but also to recognize the profound impact LGBTQ+ individuals and communities have had on history at the local, national, and international levels. Pride Month also provides an opportunity to reflect and consider how we are creating welcoming spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals receive the support they need to thrive. This month and every month, the Y works to welcome everyone who walks through our doors and to create opportunities for all people to learn, grow and succeed. #YforAll

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee is sharing tips on how we can all stay safe in and around the water. Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety. #WaterSafetyMonth

Everyone is struggling with something. You are not alone! The YMCA of Middle Tennessee is proud to highlight one of our community partners, Restore. Whether you are grieving a loss, struggling with the unknown or dealing with big changes, Restore has a small group for you. Restore small groups consist of 5 to 10 participants and 2 trained facilitators, who together commit to an 8-week journey. Author Henri Nouwen writes, “The greatest healing often takes place when we no longer feel isolated by our shame and guilt and discover that others often feel what we feel and think what we think and have the fears, apprehensions, and preoccupations we have.” With thousands of Restore participants worldwide, they have seen transformation in the areas of anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-worth, grief and loss, rage, loneliness, or anything else holding you back from a full life. To learn more about upcoming small groups through Restore, go to https://lnkd.in/g7Srwim.

Thank you to Academy Sports for the gear! Our Camp staff had FUN restocking for FUN for all our campers this summer. What are you most looking forward to at Camp Widjiwagan this summer?

In memory of many, in honor of all. On this Memorial Day, we express our gratitude and say thank you. #MemorialDay

Hattie Cotton hosted volunteers from First Horizon Bank on Teach Children to Save Day! Our High Impact Partner volunteers brought a fun activity to teach the students about saving. Thank you, First Horizon Bank, for your dedicated support to the YMCA! #ForABetterUs

Y-Literacy is looking for summer volunteers! Y-Literacy provides free reading tutoring to K-5th students who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is virtual, so all tutors need is a computer, WiFi, and an hour a week this summer. This is a great opportunity for those looking to build their skills as tutors and/or give back to the community! For more details and to register, visit: https://shorturl.at/kv9yc

When was the last time you were silent (and sleeping doesn’t count 😊)? We are surrounded by the static of hurry, worry and busy throughout each of our days. At the YMCA of Middle Tennessee we want to help you dial down the noise in community with others through our Centering Practice Group Exercise class. Not sure what Centering Practice is? This class, offered weekly at seven of our locations and online, is for anyone who wants to make space for peace and calm with 20 minutes of guided, focused silent time together with others. Each class participant chooses a word that is sacred to them to return to ever-so-gently when their thoughts begin to wander. Classes like Centering Practice can help bring calm and insight to people who often feel anxious, enhancing attention, emotional awareness, spiritual connection, kindness, compassion and mental calmness even in the midst of a difficult time. To learn more about Centering Practice go to https://lnkd.in/gCf9GRSX.