2011 Global Seva Challenge: Haiti school connects mind, body, and spirit of its students

A blog written for OTM! In case you missed it.
It’s Day 3 of the 2011 Global Seva Challenge “bare witness” tour of Haiti, and we are not only beginning to see the incredible things our donations are funding, but are seeing firsthand the strength of spirit within the Haitian people. We started our day with a meditation to check in on how we have been showing up since we arrived. What entered my mind was how the Haitians show up each day, full of pride for their country, love for their community, and a genuine warmth and gratitude for foreigners such as ourselves.
Today we saw a seed that has been planted for change in Haiti when we visited the Amurt School, an eco-friendly school on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince with a focus on yoga and mindfulness. Since the 2010 earthquake, the school has brought together the surrounding camp of 2,000 people by providing grade school (K-6) education, in addition to programs that empower local women through vocational and literacy training, parenting programs, and communication and leadership development. There is a small fee to cover basic necessities, but if the family cannot afford it, they volunteer their time as a barter. No child is turned away.
Yoga and mindfulness is the foundation for ALL of the school’s teachings. Every school day begins with the students seated together in a “Circle of Love” to invoke a sense of union, compassion, and joy to set the tone for a structured and calm atmosphere for the day. Yoga classes are provided throughout the day for people of all ages in the community. The school is closely connected to the camp community, and the students’ families are involved with the school’s maintenance as well as decision making.
Along with being a holistic school that looks at the whole child, the Amurt school looks holistically at people’s surrounding environment. There is a garden located at the heart of the campus to teach the school’s children how to grow their own food. A drinking water system was created using gravel and sand, making clean water available for everyone and reducing plastic bottle use. Composting toilets have been created using sugar cane husks, which are then used as compost for banana and moringa trees (a tree with highly nutritious leaves, equivalent to the superfood Spirulina).
The director of the Amurt School gave us a tour, and we saw something distinct in these children. They appeared confident, well balanced, joyous, and interactive. We participated in a yoga class led by one of the teachers and watched the children surrender in Savasana, where they lie getting a few moments of peace and calmness in the midst of their day. In another classroom Suzanne Sterling, co-founder of Off the Mat, Into the World, played her drum and united the children with music and song (a common theme in all our visits). There was dancing and laughter and clear sense that the children not only felt safe and were allowed to be expressive, but their warmth was overflowing and contagious. These children have been living in tents for more than two years, where there may not be food, a toilet, or basic necessities, yet everyone danced together in laughter and joyous union. Near the end of the dancing, a boy came up to me, hugged me smiling, and didn’t let go. We continued to dance with the embrace of our hug. My heart was touched by the warmth of the whole experience, and my emotions heightened . Our hearts were united and for those few moments our different cultures didn’t matter…we were united as one.
The school has been so successful in creating a sustainable model of holistic teaching and unification of community that the government has asked them to create the curriculum and train the teachers of more than 75 schools throughout Haiti. The Amurt School is thrilled to share and collaborate in creating a holistic education system where the mind, body, and spirit are all seen as essential to a child’s development and well-being. The school is currently seeking out teachers to volunteer to enhance the education of Haitian children. Housing and food will be provided for these teachers, and there is a possibility of grant funding in the future. If you are energetic, wanting to help, and see the true value of a yoga and mindfulness focus in schools, check out their website for more info: www.amurthaiti.org, or contact the Amurt School director at sara@amurt.net. Theirs is an incredible model of education uniting spirituality, yoga, and education to not only enhance learning but allow for children to gain balance in their lives.
Just one of the memorable and transformational moments in Haiti. Thank you, Kristin Adair for capturing the precious moments at the Amurt School.  SO grateful!
Much LOVE,
Ella

Global Seva: Haiti - Off the Mat, Into the World

I was honored when asked to write a blog for Sweat Equity Magazine, and grateful for their support in 2011 as I took on the challenge that would have a profound effect on all parts of my life.  

Since giving up my full-time career a year and half ago to become a full-time yoga instructor and now Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, there have been shifts within from my time on the mat. A deep desire to make a difference somehow (locally or globally).

At the time, I wasn't sure what my action would be or how it would look in my life.  I had heard of "Off the Mat, Into the World"(OTM) and had a friend who raised money for Uganda in 2009.  I asked to meet her for coffee on a cold January day. Somewhere in the middle of our conversation I felt this connection for not only what OTM stood for, but also what they did each year.  It was at that point that everything changed, and I decided to join the Global Seva challenge to raise $20,000 for Haiti and then travel to the area in February 2012. 

“Off the Mat, Into the World” was started by three incredible women: Sean Corne, Suzanne Sterling and Hala Khourig.  This was the fourth year to unite yogis for change. The first 3 countries selected were Cambodia, Uganda, and South Africa.  Over $500,000 was raised for each country and incredible work done.  2011 was all about Haiti, and I mean ALL about Haiti!  I organized events almost every month (yoga events, silent auctions, yard sales, selling coffee, Global Wristbands...ANYTHING that would help my cause!!). I don't think I comprehended the extent of the challenge and impact it would have on my life when I began. But looking back I know that I rose to every challenge and used the tools I had from my life experiences, time on the mat and meditation.   Not to say that there weren't moments of doubt and fear of failure along the way....believe me there WAS! But, I committed on every level, with every cell of my being, and knew that I was the vehicle for others to contribute for change. My efforts would go towards helping the Haitian people regain their lives and create a sustainable life for themselves and generations to come.

Along this path, I was in awe of the generosity of so many businesses and people.  I am not exactly sure how many people and businesses contributed but definitely over 300.

As the deadline was nearing in December, I had moments of panic and will admit, despair.  I was forced to surrender to the divine force and the belief in my heart that I will meet the goal and witness the beginning stages of change in Haiti.  The deadline extended for a few weeks and magically people started donating like it was their challenge too. They were on the ride for Haiti.  I raised $20,000 for Haiti, and in total $370,000 was raised for Haiti!!
The money raised will go towards...
* Micro-financing small businesses and skill development for women and youth
* Building a community centre
* Supporting 2 orphanages and a school
* Rebuilding the water system and cleaning up the rubble still left from the earthquake

With one week till we leave and bags of donated toys, clothes, medical and school supplies to bring with me, the emotions are rising.  I am still in awe of what I accomplished in 2011 and know that the trip will be one of deep transformation on many levels.  I am open to whatever it brings.

I never thought I had it in me to not only be a leader but also be part of the change. I am just overwhelmed with what I have achieved.   It became part of my healing journey, as my heart opened for a greater cause, and in turn for myself and ALL that I am.
With SO much GRATITUDE,
Ella