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DCL
Even though Earth Day is everyday here at my Brooklyn yoga studio, and I try to integrate my eco-awareness and action daily--I know many of my clients are busy, are dealing with a whole host of responsibilities and have jobs that might not afford them the same amount of time I have to take action.
If I can get anyone to truly think about the environment--even if it's just for one day, it's worth it to me. I decided to not just celebrate Earth Day this year, but also provide an easy, fun and affordable opportunity to my students to find service in it.
Yoga for Fighting Deforestation
I decided to make my normal Tuesday night mixed-level yoga class this week donation-based. The percentage of what would normally be my paycheck will go to Amazon Watch--an organization supporting indigenous groups in the Amazon to help fight against deforestation. Why I chose this organization was simple. After a trip to the Brazilian Amazon, I've felt a lasting connection with the area and a deep desire to help improve its conditions. During my class I also plan to tie in the inextricable links between yoga and environmental consciousness--in the most fun, non-lecture-y kind of way. My ultimate hope is that it's helpful and inspiring!
Have Mad Skillz in Making Coffee? Use 'em for Earth Day!
The preparations of my Earth-themed class got me thinking...anyone can commemorate and support Earth Day. And you definitely don't need to be a yoga instructor. What is needed is just a little bit of creativity. Ask yourself: does your profession or skill set allow you to reach an audience? For example:
- A teacher could create an Earth Day curriculum.
- A café owner can donate proceeds of the day's coffee sales to a Fair Trade coffee coop.
- A nurse or doctor could champion hanging a sign or distributing literature within their hospital.
Too many of us brush off the idea of Earth Day or treat it with little importance. Let us re-distribute our energies instead and just do something. Just imagine if every one of us worker bees did one small positive action for Earth Day. One single day would transform into a massive hive-minded solution.
