To Haiti With Love DC

Tomorrow, on GW’s campus, yogis, yoga teachers, and activists in DC will come together for "To Haiti With Love DC" to do 108 sun salutations for Haiti. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and hasn’t been able to recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake in early 2010; many Haitians are still living in tent cities with no access to resources. Participating yogis are asked to bring $1 for every sun salutation—a total of $108 donated to Haiti. The proceeds go to local organizations committed to sustainable solutions in Haiti.  This incredible event combines the power and energy of yoga with global service and a community connection.

The significance of doing 108 sun salutations close to the spring equinox has many roots. 108 is the number of mala beads that are worn. This string of beads symbolizes planets around the sun and are used for counting one’s mantra.  108 is also a symbol of the relationship between the sun, earth, and moon; the moon and sun are both roughly 108 times their respective diameters. The sun salutation is a series of poses that bring energy to the body and focus the mind on one’s intention. It is a tribute to the sun for giving life (and light!) to our planet.

This experience is sure to be a fabulous display of community support and outreach, people gathered to celebrate common values and practices, and take some time to give to our fellow humans in Haiti. Yoga is a practice of physical, mental, and spiritual challenges. It is rooted in a tradition of compassion toward others and respect for the earth, environment, all people, and all living things, regardless of race or creed.  Yogis believe in inner goodness in all people and animals.

Though I’m nervous about the physical challenge in the midday heat, I’ll be there, sweating it out and sending positive energy and good thoughts to Haiti. Namaste! 


--Megan