My first blog, YAY!! I have had so much I have wanted to share, from my life experiences as of late, readings from my bed side table, and yogini life in general. I apologize for the delay in getting this out. I am generally a private person, so there is something about making this public that makes one a little apprehensive and hence check the work over and over again...but, here it is....at last!
I will focus this blog on this incredible/ever so eye-opening challenge I joined with "Off the Mat, Into the World" to raise money for a country that is still in such dire need, Haiti. My motto this year is "It's all for Haiti!". I know the earthquake hit the already poverty stricken country over a year ago, but by looking at the photos and reading what is STILL going on there, it seems like it happened just last week. I know as weeks pass, and there's new news to focus our thoughts on, the situation changes in our minds and becomes a distant memory. Our mind can only comprehend so much tragedy at one time. Even now that the country I lived in for over 6 years and love dearly(Japan), is going through such mass devastation, it is hard to find space to put into perspective all that has happened even a month ago, all that is happening even as I write, and then try to lead a normal life when such suffering and pain is going on. We are lucky and blessed beyond words.
When I became a full-time yogini last year, my mind was full of myself. How was I going to survive? Was I going to be stuck in my small place? How can I enjoy life when I will be making the bare minimum? How will I survive without my passion of travel? The list of questions was endless....all about me. As I began to live this yogini life of daily practice, guiding others along their journey, and having time to read and be introspective, I started to think about what it means to live this yogini life. Is it getting to the deeper, more advanced poses? Is it teaching lots of classes? Is it moving to a simpler life? I will leave these for you to ponder. My gratitude increased and my heart opened for a greater purpose....to go beyond myself. Such a deep desire to do more for the greater good....to serve in the true meaning.
One thing that did come up clearly in my mind, like a big bright light that was illuminating through me and all around was that seva (being of service) was key. I feel that as yoga instructors, we lead our life in seva within our communities, being there for our students with open hearts and gentle guidance on a daily basis. I had an urge to go beyond local seva.....global seva! I will admit, in part it is also because I have always wanted to give back and feel blessed that the universe brought me to this point in my life with divine guidance along my path of life to where I am now.
So, in January I sent in my intention to "Off the Mat, Into the World" to raise $20,000 for Haiti and next February go there to do humanitarian with the organizations that have committed so far. Then I went straight to ACTION, making "OM" buttons for donations, creating a web-site, post cards and fundraising events. All my thoughts and time was on OTM. The biggest fundraising event by far is the HUGE silent auction set for May 15th at Czehoski Restaurant in Toronto. I had NO idea how much work it was going to be to organize and have a deep respect for anyone that does fundraising for a living. Definitely makes you stronger, and more willfull...WOW!
Being a generally shy person, this process has definitely forced me to go out of my comfort zone and reach out to friends/businesses/organizations. It has been like little pulls on my heart as I reach out to business/companies to get donations for the silent auction. Each time a donation was approved of service/product it was like "hallelujah" was being sung from above and I just felt an overwhelming sense of joy within at the accomplishment. On the flip side, each time I read "we commend you for your efforts but we are unable to donate at this time", my heart felt like it was at the pit of my belly and my eyes just blurred with tears. Yes, it has been/still is an emotional/physical rollercoaster, but the feeling within of going beyond myself and fulfilling my desire to not only help with the set up of organizations going to Haiti, but more importantly go there and be with the people, HEART to HEART. I knew this journey was going to be challenging on all levels, but I also knew that I was embarking on a mission of greater good and awareness, and for that I am grateful. I am grateful for an opportunity to dig deeper, and open my heart to all the possibilities of the process and the outcome of greater good of humanity. Here is the link to my web-site for all the fund raising events happening now and in the near future. http://www.yoginipath.com/
I am full of gratitude and love for all the warmth and support I have received since beginning this journey, and so thankful to encounter and connect with beautiful souls that this path has brought to me.
Thanks for reading,
Much love,
Ella
I am a full-time yogi (with occassional days in school supply teaching)
