Press

"Can Yoga Save the World?" Kiri Westby, Huffingtonpost.com

Human rights activist and Huffington Post blogger Kiri Westby attended the 14th Annual Yoga Journal Colorado Conference in Estes Park, CO.

“We live in a society that emphasizes self-obsession and spends billions advertising products to make us look and feel better. Although I cannot say that the yoga world is bucking that trend all together, I can say that a storm is brewing, and it is beginning on the non-PVC, recycled material, yoga mat that donates back.”

Her blog, which includes a lot about the Give Back Yoga Foundation, is featured on Huffington Post/ Living: Can Yoga Save The World?

"How May We Serve?" Cyndi Bulka, Moving Mantra Yoga Studio

The traditional practice of Yoga is more than poses. Yoga is not something that is done to us...it is something we do. It is a deep commitment to change and responsibility. And it isn't always easy to do. With consistent practice we can develop strength and suppleness in our bodies, and develop clarity of mind and a calmer, more relaxed perspective on life. When we embrace the teachings of Yoga, we learn to let go of our ideas about the way we think life should be, and instead embrace life's experiences just as they are, trusting that all is as it should be. With this kind of attitude, we live life more fully…

Gratitude is a space we hold in our hearts...a deep and infinite space that resides quietly within us, offering limitless potential to renew our spirits, to accept and forgive imperfection, to unlock the fullness of life. Embracing gratitude is a way of being in this world, not simply a seasonal feast. Gratitude opens us to moments of Grace. If we are able to remain conscious in our moments, we can begin to notice that everything that comes across our path is Grace, even if it's face may seem harsh or unlovely…

How does our practice of Yoga fit in to the question of "How may I serve?" Seva is the Sanskrit word for selfless service and it an integral part of the Yogic path. Seva helps us to connect more deeply to our own loving nature and then to others in the same loving light.

The holiday season will quickly be upon us where the time to give thanks and gifts is a part of many of our family traditions. As I have taken time in my own practice to reflect on santosha (contentment), gratitude, generosity and the grace that follows, I find a renewed motivation to create more memories of time well-spent with my loved ones, of taking more time to reach out and help someone I know is suffering, of acknowledging and supporting the organizations and people who are in the trenches doing what needs to be done to raise consciousness and change lives.

I had the privilege of meeting Rob Schware, a founder of Give Back Yoga on my recent trip to study in Colorado. I was inspired by his vision and energy and thought what a terrific connection this could be for Moving Mantra students. The Give Back Yoga Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Yoga teachers in offering the principles of Yoga to underserved socio-economic groups who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience the transformational benefits of this powerful practice we all so love, in all its aspects--from asana and stress reduction, through breath work and meditation, to general service to others. We can help spread the gift of Yoga beyond our own mats and in to the bodies, minds and hearts of those who can truly benefit from it. I encourage you to spend a minute reading about Give Back Yoga (www.givebackyoga.org) and what they have been able to do, and to consider making a donation so that they can continue this important work.

...May our hearts be broken open by life rather than be broken down. May we learn to trust the difficulties and misfortunes of our lives as truly wise teachers, blessing it all as it arrives on our doorstep to be opened to. May we feel the connection to all the love in our lives in all it's various forms, present in every experience, every person, every sound and sight and feeling. May we find our way to santosha,and open ourselves to generosity and selfless service to others. May your Thanksgiving be filled with wonderful memories and love.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Namaste,
Cyndi