Continuing our series of blogs with Katy Appleton (not to mention the fab competition) she gives us the benefit of her wisdom about the links between yoga & the environment.
The awareness of individuals to protect and promote health and well-being is reflected in the ever increasing popularity of Yoga.
The importance instilled about looking after your mind and body is often extended to the environment. This progression is natural, as we become more aware of how to look after ourselves or our inner environment we become more aware of our external world.
As you progress as a Yogi you will find there are many ways you can help your external world. A prime example is Katy Appleton, who supports a number of causes which aim to bring peace and better the world. If you’re new to Yoga there are many small ways you can start to help the environment.
On www.appleyoga.com Katy sells Appleyoga reusable shopping bags at just £3.00. Her attitude is: With One Small Bag, you can make one Big Difference! Using reusable bags has a very positive impact on the environment but remembering to carry them is the problem. These bags pack down into a small integral pouch so that it fits easily into a handbag or pocket and will be with you when you need it most. Reducing the UKs carrier bag consumption by 25% would have the same positive environmental impact as removing 18,000 cars from the roads.
As you progress you will find your desire to be involved with the external world may increase. There are a few ways you can help.
Since 1989, Trees for the Future, www.treesftf.org, has been helping communities around the world plant trees. Through seed distribution, agroforestry training, and their country programs, they have empowered rural groups to restore tree cover to their lands. Planting trees protects the environment and helps to preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations. Their mission and history demonstrate how dedicated we are to sustainable agroforestry.
Alternatively Global Mala Yoga run by Shiva Rea, Katy Appleton’s Yoga teacher, belongs to the global yoga community. The purpose of the Global Mala Yoga for Peace is to unite the global yoga community from every continent, school or approach to form a "mala around the earth" which basically puts the power of meditation into action through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108.
The number 108 has long been considered a sacred number in Hinduism and yoga. Renowned mathematicians of Vedic culture viewed 108 as a number of the wholeness of existence. This number also connects the Sun, Moon, and Earth: The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters.
So to help further the UN International Peace Day which is marked every year on September 21st, each Yoga center offers their form of Yoga Mala according to their tradition, such as 108 Sun Salutations. Visit www.globalmala.org to sign up.
To celebrate the launch of the game we are giving you the chance to win the ultimate yoga pack, including a Nintendo Wii, a copy of the game and a class with Katy. Nine runners up can also win a class. Click here to enter. We hope you enjoy Katy's blogs.
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