Haiti, post-earthquake
AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo
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There's nothing like taking a little action to help quell the feeling of hopelessness when it comes to big picture issues like climate change, poverty and hunger. So action is what I sought when word hit about Haiti.
As the manager and instructor at a yoga studio in Brooklyn, I am lucky to have a large community of people right at my fingertips. I see them, day in, day out, with yoga mat in tow and the wish to transform their physical body and sometimes even their mind.
I thought, why not tap into this excellent group of practitioners? Many of who aspire to practice Dana (Sanskrit for Generosity), one of the Six Perfections of a Bodhisattva aspirant--a Buddhist teaching and mental training. Or, who, on a more secular level would at least like to practice the Golden Rule--treat others, as you would like to be treated. If a devastating earthquake paralyzed our hometown, wouldn't we expect our global community to rise to the task and help us out?
In my own plight to practice Generosity, I decided to organize a donation drive. A long-time student of my studio directed me to an organization called AKILA WORKSONGS whose mission is to, "shed a positive light on and from within the African American community and the people of color communities." There I found the specifics on the donations being sought, particularly water, non-perishable foods, clothing, supplies, and toiletries.
From there on out it was easy!
- I sent out an e-mail blast encouraging students to participate and listed the requested items.
- I set a deadline to donate (due to our small space, we can't afford stuff piling up beyond a week).
- Promoted the donation drive in-person after scheduled yoga classes.
- And tapped into our Facebook community.
The amount of positive feedback from students has been a reward in and of itself. They are happy to have a community space participating in public service. But the biggest reward is knowing that we are just one tiny piece in a global puzzle of humanitarian actions for Haiti right now. It feels good to be human--and a practicing yogini!
If you haven't yet taken action for Haiti, this quote from Buddha might put the fire under your butt:
Be quick to do good. If you are slow, The mind, delighting in mischief, Will catch you... Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, And you will be filled with joy.
More on Haiti Donations and Aid:
10 Ways to Help the Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
DIYers Get Crafty To Aid Haiti
Help Wanted: Vegan Bake Sales for Haiti
