Hello Homegrown Yogis!
I am writing this letter on Memorial Day – a day that has always had meaning to me as a day to honor those who have died in service of our country. Since opening Homegrown Yoga and having the opportunity to meet so many members of the military and their spouses, Memorial Day has a much greater significance to me now. I see first-hand how members of my own community have such an incredible sense of service and a willingness to sacrifice for others. It truly inspires me every single day.
In yoga, there is a Sanskrit term ‘seva’ meaning service. It is selfless action with no expectation of reward or acknowledgment, and it is considered paramount to our path to self-realization and fulfillment. The amazing thing about ‘seva’ is that we are all capable of it exactly as we are. As Ram Dass writes: “Helping out is not some special skill. It is not the domain of rare individuals. It is not confined to a single part of our lives. We simply heed the call of that natural impulse within and follow it where it leads us.”
This month we invite you to take part in some yoga-inspired ‘seva.’ On Sunday, June 19th we will be holding our first 108 Sun Salutations Celebration. It is a yoga tradition to perform 108 Sun Salutations at each Solstice as a way to honor the changing season and set intentions for the coming months. This will be a donation-based class with all money going to the Genesis JOY House – an organization dedicated to helping homeless female veterans in our area.
Then on Sunday, June 21st all classes at Homegrown will be free of charge to celebrate the International Day of Yoga. Enjoy complimentary classes and invite friends to share with them the gift of yoga.
I’m always inspired by the Theodore Roosevelt quote: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” That’s exactly what we are doing this month at Homegrown. Being of ‘seva’ simply through our yoga practice. I hope you will be a part of it!
With love,
Rachel