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WHAT’S NEW? How can we help the people of Nepal?
The people of Nepal are used to difficult living but this recent earthquake has really been challenging for these lovely and hardy people. A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Nepal, less than three weeks after a magnitude 7.8 quake and the aftershocks devastated large areas of the country, killing thousands.
One of the ways we can support them is through donations and you can find a comprehensive list of places in this article from CNN. I am sure there is something listed that you resonate with and that has you feeling good about what you are doing in the world.
Another way to support the Nepalese people is by continuing to visit their country so that the money continues to flow in from tourism. That is why Sharee is not canceling her October trip to Nepal and is looking forward to it in a big way. You can read her article below about creative ways you can raise money for Nepal and about her upcoming journey.
Blessings and love, Sheri Rosenthal
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EVENTS, JOURNEYS + WEBINARS!
“Re-Discover the Treasure Within” A Spiritual Journey in the Himalayas of Nepal
Oct 28–Nov 6, 2015
There are places in the world where the spiritual and the sacred are a part of everyday life. Where eons of wisdom and deep knowledge have accumulated to give us a road map on the path Home. The Himalayas have long been known as the world’s Shangri-La, that mythical utopian paradise of harmony and peace. Hundreds of generations of rishis, yogis, monks and sages have been called to this sacred place to meditate and unravel the mysteries within.
Highlights of your adventure: Daily Yoga and Meditation classes to calm your mind and release built-up stress and tension held in your body. We stay in two gorgeous resorts with on-site Ayurvedic wellness spas: one close to sacred Buddhist and Hindu sites, the other on a tranquil lake surrounded by jaw-dropping Himalayan views. Fascinating guided tours exploring Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, medieval royal squares, as well as hiking to a local village and a visit to a local school, and so much more!
As well as being surrounded by stunning vistas throughout the retreat, we will take an early morning trip to the top of Sarangkot mountain to view one of the most incredible spectacles in the world: the sun rising over the Himalayas. We’ll also have a very special lesson with a 4th generation Tibetan sound healer on using Tibetan Singing bowls for healing and meditation.
Trip tuition: $2995 USD per person double occupancy, $500 USD single supplement, most meals included.
OUR FEATURED ARTICLE
5 Yoga Inspired Ways You Can Help Nepal
As a yoga and meditation teacher that has been leading retreats in the Himalayas of Nepal for the past 5 years, it is true to say that this beautiful nation has become like a second home to me.
So when I heard the devastating news of the quake, I knew I had to ACT and do something to help raise money for the Nepal relief efforts. The studio I work at is holding fundraiser classes, and last week I had the honor of guiding nearly 50 people through a loving kindness meditation in honor of Nepal, it was amazing to feel all of our collective good intentions for those suffering over there and to raise more than $1200!
I have a few more fundraising ideas in the pipeline, but seeing as the Himalayas are the original home of yoga, I thought I would share some fun yoga-inspired money-raising ideas here in the hopes that you too can find an inspiring way to help support the people of Nepal.
- Karma Yoga – dedicate your skills
The notion of karma yoga is all about not being attached to the fruits of your labor or in other words, being of selfless service. Do you have a skill that you could offer in return for donations? Whether that is teaching a yoga class, giving a massage, donating a day’s work wages or sharing another skill that you have, dedicating your work to something other than yourself is a beautiful way to remember the spiritual notion that we are all connected as well as offer your support to Nepal.
- Ahimsa – share the love
The very first yama or behavioral observance in yoga is Ahimsa, which means non-harming. In Buddhist traditions it is also interpreted as loving kindness and compassion to all beings. There is a particular meditation prayer in Buddhism known as the metta prayer, in which you send love to yourself, to your loved ones, to your acquaintances, to those you struggle to get along with and to all beings.
I adapted the metta prayer in my fundraising class to specifically include those suffering in Nepal too. So why not download a version of the meditation that you like, include a dedication to those in Nepal, and get a circle of people to do it together? It is a beautiful practice and group meditations can be very powerful. Ask people to donate a small fee and then you can raise money and good vibes.
- Aparigraha – get rid of the excess
Aparigraha is a Sanskrit word meaning non-hoarding or non-grasping. Another yama, it helps to remind yogis not to become overly attached to anything, especially material things. Have you got a bunch of stuff cluttering your home that you don’t need, that may better serve someone else? Why not have a garage sale and donate the money to Nepal, or if you have camping gear, blankets or sleeping bags that you don’t use, give them to a charity that can send them to the now thousands of homeless people displaced over there.
- Get your Kirtan on
Let’s face it, yogis do like to party by gathering their friends and playing devotional music and chanting together – this is known as Kirtan. While devotional music may not be your thing, if you play an instrument or have friends that do, why not organize a little jam-style concert, invite all of your friends and charge a small donation fee? Good fun and a good deed.
- Asteya – Non-stealing
If you have ever been to Nepal, you will know that not only is it sublimely beautiful, but it really is the Nepalese people who make it so special. Humble, caring, sweet and gracious, they will go out of their way to be of service, especially to tourists visiting their beloved land. In fact, many live by the Hindu spiritual principle of Atithi Devo Bhava, meaning that to them, a guest is akin to God.
You may be wondering what this has to do with the yogic ethic of asteya, or non-stealing. I want to encourage you not to stay away from Nepal as a result of this quake. Yes, it will take awhile to clean up and rebuild, but tourism is the backbone of the Nepalese economy and if we stay away we are robbing them of their source of income as well as their national pride and dignity.
I still intend to go ahead with my retreat to Nepal October 28 – Nov 6th, and I invite you to come along and join me for this amazing journey!
With all my love & blessings, Sharee James
~GENTLE JUNE JOURNEYS~
The Land of Legends
Wales, Celtic Britain
Trip Leaders: Glenn & Cameron Broughton
June 17—27, 2015
~GLORIOUS JULY JAUNTS~
Mysteries + Sacred Sites of England
Sacred Britain
Trip Leaders: Glenn & Cameron Broughton
July 21—30, 2015
Crop Circles + Summer Lectures Intensive
Sacred Britain
Trip Leaders: Glenn & Cameron Broughton
July 30-Aug 3, 2015
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~AUDACIOUS AUGUST ADVENTURES~
Ayahuasca & Ayni in the Andes with Dennis McKenna
Peru
Trip Leader: Dennis McKenna
August 5-15th, 2015
Dive Into the Ancient Magic + Mysteries of Turkey
Turkey
Trip Leader: Rev David Ault
August 17th–26th, 2015
Want to see our whole line-up for the upcoming year?
Visit our Trips at a Glance page.
