What better way to celebrate my first post than to feature a local act of Seva?

This past weekend, 57 yogis participated in City Yoga’s second 24 hour Yogathon and raised over $47,000 for the Los Angeles chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The studio was packed and spirits soared from 8 a.m. June 20th until 8 a.m. July 1st as participants started off the day with an opening invocation and standing poses with City Yoga co-owner Rebecca Benenati. Then they did arm balances, backbends, pranayama, restoratives and partner massage. At midnight, it was time for inversions, dancing, and chanting until 4 a.m. when Anthony Benenati, City Yoga founder and Anusara teacher extraordinaire, led the group in a sun salutation practice as they watched a brilliant southern California sun rise.

In case you're not familiar with the organization founded by former President Jimmy Carter, Habitat for Humanity has 2,100 affiliates around the world and builds homes in 100 countries for those in need or in crisis. The Los Angeles chapter provides one of the few options for low income housing in the city and City Yoga's contribution will cover half the cost of one house. "This is really special," said Margo Thomas, the corporate development manager for Habitat Los Angeles who stopped by during the Yogathon lunch break to check out the scene. "Talk about putting your soul, body and mind into raising money for us."

Even though the Yogathon is over, you can still contribute. If you'd like to join a group of yogis who plan to help a Habitat construction crew build a house in September, contact City Yoga or you can make a donation. And if you know of other ways local Yogis are making a difference please, let us know.

Namaste!