Today is World Environment Day. This year’s theme is land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. The purpose of this day is to reminds us of the importance of caring for our planet, and how we can do this at a macro level and through small daily practices, without expecting anything in return. This intentionality aligns with Karma Yoga, wholesome selfless action done without expectation.
We recently read a quote that said ‘practicing yoga off the mat is so much harder than “advanced” asana on the mat’. Being mindful, kind, regulated when in daily life (especially when faced with challenges or are desires that may not be in service of the greater good) is harder than when we are dedicating our time just to attending to the body and mind in a session.
In addition to the practice of Hatha Yoga techniques, Karma Yoga can also play a role in off the mat practice and lead to the better good. This can done through consistent actions focused on protecting and restoring our planet when it is so desperately in need of care.
Practicing Karma Yoga in service of our planet might include:
1. Volunteering for environmental organisations or community clean-up projects through selfless service.
2. Making mindful choices about product consumption and purchases.
3. Practicing and promoting water-saving habits and inspiring others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
4. Spending time in reflection and meditation and focusing on connecting to the Earth and its elements. This practice can strengthen commitment to acting in ways that protect and honour these essential elements.
On this very important day we pose the question, ‘How do my core values relate to my commitment to this planet and how can Karma Yoga and Yoga in general support these aims?” We’d love to hear your thoughts.
