The Power of Yoga: Change You, Change the World

There's been a huge surge in the number of yoga events to support worthwhile causes. Back in the day you'd often see a running event linked to a cause (think "race for a cure"). You still do and it's wonderful, but to someone like me -- a person who doesn't run unless chased (what can I say -- I think running is a bit too rough on the body and I don't partake, despite claims of runner's high by friends and running fanatics) -- I'd much rather do good by unfurling my mat. Today more than ever there's a chance to do just that -- do good through yoga.

Before I launch into a few good causes and some very cool resources, I just want to caveat this post by saying this: In addition to all of the wonderful yoga events out there that are brining about change, I believe in the sentiment behind Gandhi's little-known (wink!) quote "We must become the change we want to see in the world." [A big thanks to Leo's Zen Habits blog for providing me with the inspiration for this post] Call me idealistic but I firmly believe that practicing yoga off the mat can change the world, even if it's only your small corner of it. That said, it doesn't mean that I don't like to downdog for a good cause...

• The end of September (the 27th to be exact) marks the Yoga Aid Challenge across America. The idea, which was hatched in Australia, is simple (and quite wonderful) -- practice yoga and raise money for local charities. Yoga Aid events are happening across America and all over the world. If you'd like to sponsor and/or participate in an event, click here for more info.

• Tomorrow yogini and activist Seane Corne will be interviewed on American Public Media. The topic -- yoga, of course. Actually, the interview goes a bit deeper then that and discusses yoga in action. You can listen in via podcast live or you can catch the recording. Click here for more info. (while you're there, check out the awesome conversation with author and yoga teacher Matthew Sanford -- his story and his words are simply amazing!).

• I've spoken a bit about practice and action in this post, but what about the power of intention? The upcoming Peace Intention Experiment is going to explore this very topic by embarking on a series of scientific studies to determine whether ‘group mind’ has the power to increase peace and cooperation in war-torn areas around the world experiencing high levels of conflict and violence. You can learn more and get involved by clicking here.

Whether you're on your mat or off, rest assured that you can make a difference (all you have to do is take the lead from Gandhi and be the change). Isn't that a good feeling?

Namaste!

Comments

[Diane Cesa]

Hi Tread Earth Lightly -- I'm so glad you enjoyed the videos. I agree with you -- they are amazing! Thanks for your comment!

[Tread Earth Lightly]

Thanks so much for sharing this info. Just today I listened to the Seane Corne interview on Speaking of Faith and watched a video on Matthew Sanford which I posted about too. Both are Amazing!!
Om Shanti

[Diane Cesa]

Hi YogaForCynics --
Thank you for sharing what sounds like another wonderful cause. I'm definitely going to check out Yoga Unites. The name alone sounds just perfect. Thank you for posting!

[YogaforCynics]

With the popular stereotype of yogis as self-involved and their head hopelessly in the clouds (though, personally, most yogis I know are probably more politically involved than the average American), it's great to see events like these. There's also an organization called Yoga Unites which every year does a huge yoga class with thousands of people on the steps of the Art Museum in Philadelphia (yeah, the steps Rocky ran up) every year to benefit breast cancer survivors.
Namaste.