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Karma Yoga - A Commitment to Service - December 2005

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead

Last week while reading the current issue of Time, an article titled, "Eighteen Heroes, The Power of Example" caught my eye. As I read it, it also caught my heart. The piece is comprised of 18 vignettes about people who are significantly improving the lives of the poor, hungry and diseased in some of the most destitute and desperate areas of the world. Many are doctors, devoted to using their knowledge to heal those that have been all but forsaken. Others offer expertise in the areas of nutrition, scientific research, and education. There’s the motorcyclists who formed “Riders for Health” and now offer the means of getting medication and healthcare providers to remote villages throughout South Central Africa, saving thousands of lives through their efforts. Kabiti Ishaya, a young woman from a small African village is making heroic strides in AIDS and HIV education by courageously speaking the truth about her own experience with the disease and encouraging others to speak out and seek help as well.

The article stirred in me a growing aspiration to contribute more to the world at large. I’ve often thought of going to a place like Africa and volunteering for one of many global aid organizations, and perhaps someday I will. In the meantime, I realize there is much that can be done here in our local community. People are in need everywhere, not just over ‘there’. More importantly, as this article demonstrated, when individuals come together with clear intention to serve, good things happen.

One of the most important teachings of yoga is the practice of karma yoga - or selfless service. I’ve held that part of the mission of The Yoga Barn is to serve as a vehicle for karma yoga, but until recently I didn’t hold the vision for how to implement it on a larger scale. I believe in the strength of this community, and the commitment of the people who work and practice here to personal growth and spiritual development. Part of that maturation process is recognizing our responsibility to the greater community, beyond the immediacy of our own personal needs.

Last year, in less than two weeks, YB organized a benefit for the Tsunami and raised over $2,000. This New Year’s Day, I’m offering a Healing Practice, requesting donations for the community in Guatemala that was so hard-hit by the mudslides in September. Many there are still in great need of food and shelter. I feel a personal connection to this area, as I am taking a group down to Lake Atitlan in February on retreat. We will administer the funds raised, between now and when we leave, to the local villages. The group will also be volunteering a day of service to help the villagers in the rebuilding process.

What more can we do? I’d love to create a non-profit arm of The Yoga Barn. This would provide scholarships for people who would normally not be able to partake in our offerings. The therapeutic classes are so beneficial for those in chronic pain or living with debilitating illnesses, but often times personal resources are strained and extras like yoga get put aside. The non-profit would also enable our instructors to go out into the community; to nursing homes, schools and other facilities, bringing the healing practices of yoga to those who haven’t the means to come to us. I am certain there are many other karma yoga programs that would grow from this seed. What I need is your help. Any of you who know how to develop a non-profit, or who have the desire to help us establish one, I’d love to hear from you – soon!

Think. Commit. Act. Let’s come together and change the world, one breath at a time.

Blessings to you and family. May you enjoy a happy and healthy New Year.

Namaste,

The Yoga Barn, Inc.
Robin Rothenberg, Certified Yoga Instructor
660 NW Gilman Blvd., Suite C6, Issaquah, WA  98027
Studios located in both Issaquah and Fall City
Phone: 425.427.0038  -  Fax: 425.427.0613
E-mail: info@yogabarn.com  -  Web: www.yogabarn.com

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