The Seva Challenge

Seva is a sanskrit word whose meaning can be translated in English as compassion or selfless service. However, like most sanskrit words, there is no single translation for the word and there can be many interpretations. So, as I signed up for the Off the Mat and Into the World Seva challenge, I considered what this word means to me and why I have committed the next year to raising $20,000 for the Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF). No doubt, I am inspired by the stories of the children rescued from poverty, disease, and abuse beyond anything we can possibly imagine in our wealthy nation and yes, I am inspired by the selfless individuals who work tirelessly at CCF every single day. However, at the end of the day, my motivation is not selfless but selfish. It's about finding purpose.

The other day my Mom commented to me that we all need to feel like we have a purpose, a purpose greater than ourselves, a purpose larger than our day-in, day-out routine. We all need at some point in our lives to feel that we are doing something with the right intention and in the right spirit. And maybe with a little luck, that intention and spirit starts to grow - like a small flicker at first but then turning into a raging contagious fire to those around us. Then collectively, we change a life or maybe two. Therein lies the purpose - that through our actions, our individual actions, we can make a difference. We all can. We all have purpose. So, it is in this spirit and with the inspiration from my husband, my Mom and every yoga teacher who has guided me on the mat, that I begin this year-long journey to take my yoga off the mat. I invite my friends, my family, my co-workers, my community and complete strangers to come with me on this journey. I hope you will follow me from this first entry throughout the painful and tiresome fundraising to the final destination: Cambodia 2009.