Looking for Karma Points
The holiday season is in full swing, and instead of my usual holiday ritual of running around like a chicken with its head cut off I'm pretty much done with my shopping obligations already. I made the decision almost six months ago that this year I would make gifts for my family members.
With all this talk about gifts, charities, and generosity, I've been contemplating giving my time—and yoga teaching abilities—to people who could really use it this holiday season. As nice as it sounds, I have a few reservations.
I question if yoga really the best thing to donate. I'm interested in volunteering to teach at a group home, a senior center, or an after-school program, but is this really the best way to help? Yoga helps me cope with life, but the people in these programs might get more use out of a sack of groceries.
Then, a while back I read an article that explores why various yoga teachers have decided not to teach for free. Yoga is an exchange that has value, meaning, and worth. If you give it away for free, some people may realize it's value and take it for granted. So maybe it would be better to have a yoga class at a studio (with students who practice yoga already) and donate the proceeds to charity?
Once I wade through all of my thoughts about the most appropriate way for me to give, I will have to start my search of organizations who need (and merit) help. Considering the ginormous number of non-profits there are out there, the holiday season might be over by the time I'm through. Is it even worth it?
Comments
I have worked for a non-profit Community Wellness Program in an urban low-income immigrant neighborhood for several years, and I often lament how quality yoga classes are not available to some populations who could really benefit from them. I think precisely when people are in the thros of ongoing socio-economic hardship is when they might most benefit from tools like breathing exercises and asanas they can take home. It may be something that bring a little peace and relief when choas is the norm... I don't think offering yoga for free would in any way lead to a devaluization of yoga... I have clients who I see on a daily basis for therapy who do not pay a cent, but greatly value the service they receive. I hope that more yoga teachers will consider how they might share their talents with those who otherwise may never have the chance to access such a service.
Posted by: Emily | November 30, 2007 03:29 AM
I taught a benefit class for Charity this Christmas. It was a hugh success. The class and donating to a woman in need was truly my best Christmas gift received and given this year. Next year several other teachers want to join in for a combined effort.
Posted by: Rebecca Pearl | January 3, 2008 03:59 PM
While a little late for this year, it might be interesting in a future need to do well if you were to go to a hospital and work with the patients. I know that cancer patients in particular could benefit exponentially from yoga, but often times are discouraged or don't know how to adapt a program that coincides with their treatment. Perhaps by speaking with the doctors at a treatment center near you, you could hold a seminar and teach them HOW they could incorporate these practices into their lives and help to take control of their fate.
Posted by: amandalyn | January 4, 2008 07:25 PM
hi,
please, do give yoga. we've been doing if for years and it does work! any time of year is great.
feel free to check out the Street Yoga website (www.streetyoga.org)
namaste,
m
Posted by: mark | April 27, 2008 04:01 AM