A Yogini's Journey "Off the Mat" to end sex trafficking
Life
has the synchronistic ability to present to you what you need,
right when you need it. An opportunity to do something that you always wanted to do, but
didn't think your were "ready" for or perhaps thinking that there would be
a more "ideal" time to start. My life is no exception. I am writing
to you today to tell you about the personal yoga challenge
commitment that I have made for this year.
The word "seva" in Sanskrit means "service". In yoga, as in many spiritual
traditions, the practice of serving others is a key ingredient in one's own
evolution. In the spirit of service, I have signed on as a participant
in The 2012 Global Seva Challenge, a program of Off the Mat, Into the
World. Every year, their efforts are directed at a group in need from around the
world.
This year, Off the Mat Into the World is calling forth
individuals to raise awareness and participate in eradicating the sex
trafficking industry in India and around the globe. Since learning many
years ago about human trafficking and the suffering that many women and children
have to endure, I have felt a strong pull towards helping in some way, shape or
form. Now, with the Global Seva Challenge, I can do my part. My participation in
this program is my call. When I learned that this year, Off the Mat was
directing it's efforts towards helping the victims of this devastating and
appalling industry, I knew it was time to put my intentions into action.
So what's the challenge? I have less than one year to raise $20,000 to support
organizations in India that are providing much needed refuge, rehabilitation and
economic opportunities to the women and children survivors, and empower these
survivors to heal and live with dignity and respect. Yes, I know. That
does sound like quite a challenge. I'm not sure, honestly if I have the ability
to inspire others to contribute to this worthy cause. But, regardless of my
ability, I still feel the need to do my best and leave the outcome to a power
greater than me.
In my own healing transformation, I know how important it is to feel that you are
not alone, that people do heal and that people do care. However, I cannot
imagine the ongoing suffering that these women and children endure, often
lured from their families and duped into thinking that they are going to be
employed as a domestic or with childcare. They often contract diseases, feel
worthless and have no prospects for a future without help. I, like you, don't
even like to see the words "sex trafficking" and would rather not think about
such a thing. But we cannot turn away and in deed, are called to have a
Warrior's spirit in the true practice of yoga.
This is a deeply personal journey for me and a chance to work more collectively with others to create lasting change in the world. If I meet the goal of raising $20,000, I will be
included with other participants on a trip to India in 2013, to meet these women
and children and to be involved in the programs there. This is a
life-changing opportunity that I would be most humbled and grateful to have and
an opportunity to bring the good efforts of many, many people (not just me) to
those in need.
At Four Winds Yoga, we will gear all of our charity events to The
Global Seva India 2012, Off the Mat Into the World to end sex trafficking.
Together we can all make a difference! If you have any
ideas, or want to get involved email me at
You can make a donation to the Global Seva Challenge in my
name, "Jill Gutowski". No donation is ever too small or too large!
THANK YOU for reading and in advance for your
help in ending the sex trafficking industry in India and beyond.
May all beings know happiness and know freedom!
has the synchronistic ability to present to you what you need,
right when you need it. An opportunity to do something that you always wanted to do, but
didn't think your were "ready" for or perhaps thinking that there would be
a more "ideal" time to start. My life is no exception. I am writing
to you today to tell you about the personal yoga challenge
commitment that I have made for this year.
The word "seva" in Sanskrit means "service". In yoga, as in many spiritual
traditions, the practice of serving others is a key ingredient in one's own
evolution. In the spirit of service, I have signed on as a participant
in The 2012 Global Seva Challenge, a program of Off the Mat, Into the
World. Every year, their efforts are directed at a group in need from around the
world.
This year, Off the Mat Into the World is calling forth
individuals to raise awareness and participate in eradicating the sex
trafficking industry in India and around the globe. Since learning many
years ago about human trafficking and the suffering that many women and children
have to endure, I have felt a strong pull towards helping in some way, shape or
form. Now, with the Global Seva Challenge, I can do my part. My participation in
this program is my call. When I learned that this year, Off the Mat was
directing it's efforts towards helping the victims of this devastating and
appalling industry, I knew it was time to put my intentions into action.
So what's the challenge? I have less than one year to raise $20,000 to support
organizations in India that are providing much needed refuge, rehabilitation and
economic opportunities to the women and children survivors, and empower these
survivors to heal and live with dignity and respect. Yes, I know. That
does sound like quite a challenge. I'm not sure, honestly if I have the ability
to inspire others to contribute to this worthy cause. But, regardless of my
ability, I still feel the need to do my best and leave the outcome to a power
greater than me.
In my own healing transformation, I know how important it is to feel that you are
not alone, that people do heal and that people do care. However, I cannot
imagine the ongoing suffering that these women and children endure, often
lured from their families and duped into thinking that they are going to be
employed as a domestic or with childcare. They often contract diseases, feel
worthless and have no prospects for a future without help. I, like you, don't
even like to see the words "sex trafficking" and would rather not think about
such a thing. But we cannot turn away and in deed, are called to have a
Warrior's spirit in the true practice of yoga.
This is a deeply personal journey for me and a chance to work more collectively with others to create lasting change in the world. If I meet the goal of raising $20,000, I will be
included with other participants on a trip to India in 2013, to meet these women
and children and to be involved in the programs there. This is a
life-changing opportunity that I would be most humbled and grateful to have and
an opportunity to bring the good efforts of many, many people (not just me) to
those in need.
At Four Winds Yoga, we will gear all of our charity events to The
Global Seva India 2012, Off the Mat Into the World to end sex trafficking.
Together we can all make a difference! If you have any
ideas, or want to get involved email me at
You can make a donation to the Global Seva Challenge in my
name, "Jill Gutowski". No donation is ever too small or too large!
THANK YOU for reading and in advance for your
help in ending the sex trafficking industry in India and beyond.
May all beings know happiness and know freedom!