Philanthropy

"Love cannot remain by itself- it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service." Mother Teresa

Guatemala

Delivering 3 weeks worth of supplies to small villages in Guatemala (on Mt. Fuego) to families that are unable to leave the village and do not have access or the ability to basic supplies. It is beautiful how these humans take care of each other.

Sansaar Gyann Pathshala School (India)

Sansar Gyaan Pathshala means ‘World Knowledge Lessons'. The school was the creative idea of my teacher, Yogrishi Vishvketu to provide education in a rural area of Northern India, where many children, especially girls, would not otherwise go to school.

The organization is funded by generous donations from ashram guests, Akhanda students and YTT graduates. At present, this is a fully operational school, accommodating up to 300 children. It is non-sectarian and multi-faith, welcoming all children with diverse backgrounds. It is located near the village of Pritamgarh, in northern India. These families live in rural villages within a 6 km radius. Most students walk up to 3 km each day to get to school.

The children receive a quality of education above that of standard state schools. The school's goal for the future is to create a sustainable community and contribute to making a positive change in the world. It was my privilege to visit this school and these children. They all learned to introduce themselves in English and were so excited about our visit. The flower crown I'm wearing was made by them prior to our arrival. The year I visited (2022), they had just received dry erase boards for the first time ever, and the year prior, they got chairs! (plastic yard chairs). The mission is beautiful, but nothing beat the laughter, happiness, and gratitude these kids had for having access to a quality education. Click this link to donate or learn more.

Ramana's Garden (India)

Ramana’s Garden offers the vision that every child, regardless of caste or creed, has the right to a home, proper nutrition, quality education and primary health care. Many children do not have these basic necessities. Ramana’s Garden offers a sanctuary for these children and support for the ladies of the community. Children who grew up there are now helping children who live there. The way these people take care of each other is a blessing to witness. I was blessed to enjoy a dinner at the home, purchase clothing they made or dyed, see their beautiful gardens, and participate in Kirtan before bedtime. They curled up in our laps and love radiated from every one of them. I was able to deliver some fun books/clothes/toys, but options for giving are available on their website as well.

Water Filtration Systems (Ceylan, Guatemala)

Can you imagine not having access to clean water? And perhaps not having anyone who even cared if you had access to clean water? That is the everyday reality for many of the villagers in Ceylan. On this mission trip with SoulWork, we were able to provide 150 people (25 families) with water Filtration Systems that will supply them with clean water for over 2 years! One villager, who represents many we met, told us that he and his family are able to retrieve about 2 gallons of clean water each week for his family of 7. Pause and imagine that for a moment. Non-profit organizations, like Unesco, make it possible for groups like ours to provide these necessary tools to people who may otherwise not have the possibility of clean water.

Food Distribution (Zapote & Osuna, Guatemala)

On this mission trip, our group of 8 was able to provide essential food supplies to elderly Mayan community members, many of whom rely on subsistence farming. We packaged dry/sustainable goods and delivered them to families in the communities of Zapote and Osuna. Many of these families are living with children & grandchildren in spaces smaller than most of our bedrooms. They take care of each other. The feeling of gratitude emanates as you walk the streets and visit their homes. We received blessings from the elders and I'm certain that what we received far outweighs and out lives the supplies we were able to deliver.

Free & Donation-based Offerings

From the beginning of offerings at the Healing Shack, or other places I'm invited to teach, my classes/circles have been donation based or free. I always give a suggested amount for awareness, but have never turned anyone away due to an inability to contribute financially. When I am invited to teach elsewhere, it is usually upon trade of services or an offering from me to the requester (perhaps there's a mission they want to give that money to, or perhaps they are offering something at the Shack and we share our skills with one another). The only caveat to this is when I've hired outside facilitators/experts, or for trainings that require extensive supplies/skills. At my core, my mission is to offer yoga/healing services to anyone who needs them, without turning anyone away. If the exchange feels energetically "right", I go with it.