Tag Archives: volunteering

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Dharma

by: graur razvan ionut

This week we are studying the four basic paths for having a virtuous life. To be clear, in the yogic concept, all four paths should be followed, though one may be an area of particular concern, interest, or otherwise be a main focus for you at this time. Of course, throughout our lives, which area is a main focus will naturally change. However, to have a stable life in which a person is able to give of themselves what they can, and also to gain a sense of purpose, each of these areas should be cared for and developed appropriately.

The first of these areas is called dharma. Dharma can be literally translated as righteousness. Of course this means caring for the spiritual practice which you follow in the best way you know how.  It can also mean living rightly, refraining from harming oneself or others, and generally following the path that is true to your nature. Doing good deeds, practicing selflessness, and generally being helpful to others is a good guideline. If you need to go to school in order to offer your skills as a kind person through work as a social worker or doctor, then going to school would be a part of following your dharma, as well.

Today, you may want to take some time to think of ways that you may be able to honor your nature in a way that is supportive to others. It could be that you are a painter and would be able to donate some of your work to a local hospital for the waiting room outside surgery. Perhaps you sing, and could offer your skills at a nursing home. Maybe you are a great cook, and could offer to head up a food-based fundraiser for the local kids softball team or fire department. Maybe you are just good at lending a hand and can contact the local Red Cross and see what they need. How can you offer some service? You don’t need to promise 20 hours a week somewhere to be helpful. Sometimes all it takes is one day a week for a couple of hours. And maybe just asking around, you could find something that would be enjoyable.

By the way, if you have no idea what types of skills and talents may be of worth, sharing your time is a great way to find out!

After you have thought of what you may be able to offer your community in the way of time, talent, and effort, see if you can go ahead and take the first step.  Make a phone call, or show up to ask questions, and try to sign up for something. Remember that it is okay to say you only have a couple of hours a month. Just remember that using your talents to be of support to others has rewards you may not have considered. What you do can be a joy, to yourself and others.

This service contributes to a sense of purpose, a feeling of belonging, and a deeper connection to the heartbeat of our town. When you allow your life to weave into the life of your town, a new type of connection occurs, and this can be truly satisfying.

Yoga Pose of the Day: Boat Pose: Navasana

Yogic Concept of the Day: How can I be of service using my talents?

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Good Will

Good Will is another, very yogic, concept of the season. I am sure we a ll feel we have good will toward those around us, but this is a great time to really pay attention to those who are struggling among us. Even if we are struggling ourselves in some ways, we can still find something in us that we can offer. Believe me, I am certain this is true.

In a society where people are able to make their own decisions about what to do with their lives, some people inevitably will be better at this than others. It is a great gift to support those among us who may have run into more obstacles than us (at this time) or who have made personal sacrifices for their dreams that landed them in a little problem spot. Perhaps you have found yourself struggling to make all your payments this year and feel there isn’t enough to give with financially.  Take a moment to bring to mind what gifts you are able to share for free, and make a commitment to share them. Perhaps you can pick up a couple of extra food items to drop off at the food bank? Maybe you can invite a stranger to lunch with you. Maybe you can contact local services and see what you can do so volunteer for a couple of hours. Maybe you can still go caroling with a local group or call the library about volunteering. Maybe you can just check on your neighbors and see that they are alright. All of this links us to the others in our communities.

Yoga may mean that we are getting in touch with out own mind, body and spirits, but this doesn’t mean a whole lot unless it translates into a support for the community and lets you connect in a real way to that community. In the words of Bruce Lee: ” To live is a constant process of relating.”  

Have a joyous day!

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In the World to See Yourself in Action

Many of you have been looking at a variety of ways to the study the self this week, through trying the quizzes and exercises posted on this site. Hopefully you have been able to gain some new insights as to who you are and how you may be able to contribute to those around you. After all, we are not living here in isolation. You are more than a consumer. You are more than just someone who takes in what the world provides. You can be a catalyst or an inventor. You could be an inspiration or an innovator. You never know until you try. And how do you try? By getting out there.

As the weekend comes into full force, I want to encourage you to look back at what we have done this week and schedule some time for yourself (I suggest no less than an hour each day, but preferably more) this weekend to just explore some new ways of being. As Eleanor Roosevelt recommended, “do something that scares you, every day.” You can research a variety of activities for self-expression that we discussed earlier in the week. But there are other options as well.

Have you ever volunteered? In college I had no idea what to do with myself. I couldn’t settle on a major, and wasn’t really sure what kind of work would bring me joy. I was lucky to have been encouraged to get my feet wet by volunteering. It is so funny to think about now, how I would not have met so many important and influential people in my life without these experiences. I got to work at a convalescent center, a library, a refugee services center, and a library. I also got to learn the full ins and outs of a philanthropic organization (yes, and how to get a grant, while seeing who got chosen, and why), act as a Board member of a fledgling dance company and obtain resources for a theater group. I also got a chance to write for a new magazine at three points in my life.  All of this happened before I turned 21. Once you let people know you really want to do something to help, they practically knock down your door.

This brings me to another aspect of this study. You would do well to assess realistic ideas about how much time you really have, and make sure you are clear about your intentions (and stick to it). It is good to say no when you need to. This is how other people get their chance. If you make sure to put your resources where you really want to, feel led to, then you will be more effective and more likely to avoid burn-out. You want to be pleasing to others, not rushed, irritated, or distracted. When you give, give of your whole abundance, not your stress. So, it may be that instead of finding more things to do right now, your work this weekend could be to take time to look at your responsibilities and make the decision about which ones to let go, for now. This is also svadyaya, self-study. You have no idea how just freeing your mental space of one unappreciated responsibility can lead you to be more focused, clear, and ready to connect with the people in your life in more meaningful ways. When it comes down to it, none of our efforts are really for ourselves.

 

Here are some of the ramifications of being overworked: http://careerplanning.about.com/od/workrelated/a/overwork_4.htm

 

Take a quiz here to see if you are doing too much.

 

With this in mind, think of some cool new forms of expression you would like to explore. Write them (2 or 3 of them) down. Then google “social services organizations” along with your town’s name. I live in a town of fewer than 10,000 people and I found 10. So you can certainly find plenty. You can see if anything jumps out. You can also look up theaters, dance, and art groups. Calling people or stopping by to see if they need any help is something always appreciated. Just remember – before you go or call, have a clear idea of how much time you can offer. You don’t have to offer 50 hours, unless that is what you intend. I have called places and said “I have 2 hours a week for the next three months on Thursdays. Do you need any help?” You can’t imagine what delight that small amount of time has been met with.

If you happen to be looking into a new career, this is a great way to start getting experience, by the way. You can work for a few places for free and see how they differ. You can try something and find out it isn’t right, but there could be someone there who knows something better suited to your skills and interests. The possibilities are endless.

Remember: be clear about your time and interests when you call or go by. It is good for everybody if you say no to opportunities that do not suit you. You are working for free and could be giving a gift to them of someone happy in their workplace. You can uplift people when you stay focused about your own needs and inclinations.

 

Have a beautiful weekend full of meeting new and wonderful friends.