Unifying ecology, the environment, and Yoga

“Yamas consist of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, continence, and non-greed”
~ Yoga Sutra of Patanjali - chapter 2, sutra 30

The code of conduct practiced in the discipline of Yoga as laid forth in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali shows how we must actively care for and protect the environment. Having a positive impact (non-harming, ahimsa) and knowing how we get our nourishment and how we affect our world(truth, satya) are the first two guides. Non-stealing (asteya) reminds us to not take without giving back. Brahmacharya can be translated as continence, but more so as the proper use of energy. This urges us not only to make use of our own time wisely in service (seva) but to honor the energy given by others (plants and animals). Non-greed (aparigraha, also non-hoarding) humbles us and encourages us to become aware of what we truly need to live.

The idea of EcoYoga and this retreat is based on the Yogic chant lokhah samasthah sukhino bhavantu, translated as "may all beings everywhere be happy and free, and my I do my part to contribute to their happiness and freedom."  May our actions benefit the Earth, and may our Yoga practice support our positive impact on the environment and each other.

Pollution and carbon levels in the environment are at a critical height.

"Gyre” by Chris Jordan, mosaic of plastic particles collected from the environment

What can we do to slow climate change? Make easy, small changes daily:
- utilize re-usable steel water bottles, travel mugs, metal boxes for food on-the-go, shopping bags. For the 'life' of a plastic bag, enjoy viewing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgh9h2ePYw
-look at your trash at the end of the week and become aware of disposable plastic usage. What can be re-used or replaced with a re-usable material?
- use bar soap instead of plastic bottles. Some stores will re-fill shampoo and conditioners. Can you encourage your favorite store to provide a re-fill service?
use non-toxic products. Remember: everything ends up in the ocean!
- know where your food comes from. Was it sustainably produced?

Make bigger changes:
- environmentally-friendly transportation. If you can't change your vehicle's emission, consider donating to terrapass.

- become vegetarian or vegan. Create sustainable eating habits for health of earth, body and mind.

- have an energy audit. These are often free!
- volunteer or donate to environmental causes and non-profits, like Project Kaisei, Algalita, Marine Protected Areas, national parks, Save the Bay, etc. 

www.projectkaisei.org           www.algalita.org       www.ecokohtao.com

   

Om & the Ocean 

Julia spent January through mid-June volunteering to do coral reef restoration work in Southeast Asia. Her four months in Thailand were filled with a train ride to a meditation retreat in Chiang Mai, boat trip to Koh Chang for the scuba Advanced Open Water course, and three months on the gulf island of Koh Tao for ReefCheck eco-diver certification and surveys, PADI's Project AWARE specialty, Marine Resource Management course, and a six-week eco-internship. In Indonesia, she traveled through Bali, visited the very first BioRock reefs, dove on the U.S. Libery wreck (a successful artificial reef unto itself!) then traveled to Gili Trawangan where she helped clean the many BioRocks and beaches.

Julia, how & why did you chose Southeast Asia for your volunteer trip?

Reef diver trainings are held at various locations around Southeast Asia. Ever since I found out about the plastic pollution in the oceans worldwide and the dangerously high levels of carbon in the atmosphere, I have searched for ways to pro-actively help. I have made subtle changes, such as replacing disposable cups and bags with re-usable ones, and volunteering for a non-profit that is making an effort to clean the Pacific http://www.projectkaisei.org.

One of the biggest ways I can help is to take data on the health of the coral reefs, which provide more oxygen to the atmosphere than terrestrial plants. All coral reefs are in danger of decimation due to climate change and physical damage caused by overfishing. The ecosystems found in the Indo-Pacific house 75% of coral reef biodiversity, which makes it some of the best diving in the world as well as the most sensitive habitat, necessitating preservation and restoration. Data collection of healthy and damaged reefs, as well as search and recover of debris, will assist scientists, park rangers and law-makers in studies and decisions that affect the future of the coral reefs and their protection.

donations are gratefully accepted via PayPal

                        

Taking a survery of corals on the BioRock and performing a ReefCheck