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Seva: The Art of Selfless Service

Showing up for someone else is the surest way to find real joy. And we could all use a little more joy this spring. Instead of committing to Health Yoga Life’s 30-Day Spring into Yoga Challenge solely for yourself, consider choosing someone else to be your motivation. As you commit to deepening your practice, you will see benefits in your own body, mind, and spirit and experience the joy of doing something for someone else! Let’s take a closer look at what seva is and a few ways you can practice it this spring.

What is Seva?

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Sanskrit for “selfless service,” seva, is the practice of serving others with gratitude in every area of your life at any time. When practicing seva, you do something kind to benefit your community or your loved ones without expecting a reward or appreciation in return. Seva is the art of giving.

Every selfless act is a gift to those on the receiving end and to your spiritual health. Whenever you feel the inner call to do something nice for someone and you do it without needing a thank you in return, that is seva. The act of kindness does not have to be big. You don’t have to change the world; you just need to touch those around you. The more you act selflessly, the more joy you will experience, and the more you’ll see your purpose in supporting others.

Do the HYL Spring into Yoga Challenge for Someone Else

This spring, Health Yoga Life is hosting a Spring into Yoga Challenge. If you need the motivation to step on the mat every day of this challenge, consider practicing for someone else. Perhaps, you’ll want to try for a chance to win the grand prize of a spot in the Yoga Teacher Training Program so you can gift it to someone else. Or maybe you can partner up with another yogi who’s doing the challenge but wants a buddy to keep them accountable. Or, you can stay motivated to complete the challenge by reminding yourself you’re doing the challenge to improve your physical and mental health so you can live a long, whole life with your loved ones.

By changing your mindset about why you’re participating in the challenge, you’ll be more motivated to make it to the finish line. Your heart will be fulfilled, and you will experience more joy when you commit to your yoga practice for someone specific. Jump-start your seva practice in everyday life by completing the Health Yoga Life Spring into Yoga Challenge for someone else.

Other Ways to Practice Seva this Spring

If you’d like more ideas of selfless acts, here are 5 additional ways to practice seva:

  1. Pay-It-Forward: Pay for the order of the person behind you in the drive-thru or in line.
  2. Send a Gift: Ship a gift or send a virtual gift card to someone that needs extra encouragement. Consider sending a note too – a simple “Thinking of you” or “Love you” or “You got this!” will go a long way in letting that person know they are cared for.
  3. Pick Up Trash: Pick up trash and litter on the street, sidewalks, or grass as you walk by. Whether you’re on your way to work, the grocery store, or the park, take just a few seconds to clean up the earth that has given so much to us.
  4. Donate: If you have a cause you believe in, consider donating money or products to the organization. It doesn’t have to be a large amount. Even if it’s just $5 – one of your Starbucks orders – you’ll be enabling them to make a difference.
  5. Be a Listening Ear. One of the greatest sacrifices we can make for others is simply being there as a listening ear. Don’t show judgment, and refrain from offering advice. Let the other person vent and acknowledge you understand why they feel the way they do. Often, people just need to feel that they are heard. You can selflessly provide this for them.

The Joy of Selfless Service

When you live in selfless service, putting others first will become instinctual. Your insecurities and selfish patterns will begin to lessen. You’ll be able to live an authentic life, creating harmony and balance with others. Experience joy this spring while you commit to a full 30 days of yoga for someone else.

There is no better way to learn about the practice you love than through a yoga teacher training.

Join us and give yourself the opportunity to rest, heal, shed, and grow.