The Yoga Mala Challenge

So what's it all about? We intend to gather our community together to participate in a moving meditation of 108 Sun Salutations to raise funds and awareness for a local non-profit, as well as, celebrate and demonstrate unity for Earth Day. The Sun Salutation sequence, also known in Sanskrit as Surya Namaskar is a graceful, flowing series of 12 postures which help to improve strength, flexibility of the muscles, the spinal column, as well as, calm the mind. Now mention doing 108 sun salutations in a row to most people, even regularly practicing yogis, and their eyes widen as their mind says No way!

Yes way! Not only can your average yoga practitioner easily complete 108 sun salutations, but it’s such an energizing practice, that at the end of 108, some people actually feel like they want to do more. Keep in mind, Yoga is not “exercise”. It doesn’t wear out the body, but energises the mind, body and soul. On April 18th, 2010 we will give thanks to the sun for it's warmth and nourishment. We will position our mats like rays of the sun outdoors in the park and move in unison while giving and receiving energy from the group.

Why 108 Sun Salutations? 108 has long been considered a sacred number in yoga. Traditionally, malas, or garlands of prayer beads, come as a string of 108 beads. According to yogic tradition, there are 108 pithas, or sacred sites, throughout India. And there are also 108 Upanishads and 108 marma points, or sacred places of the body. Renowned mathematicians of Vedic culture viewed 108 as a number of the wholeness of existence. This number also connects the Sun, Moon, and Earth: The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters.

There are so many non-profit organizations that need our help and support. We have decided to support the Ksan House Society through a Pledge-a-thon. This local non-profit empowers, assists and supports people experiencing gender violence, violence, poverty, homelessness and other forms of oppression/marginalization. Participants are encouraged to gather pledges from friends, family, etc. for each sun salutation completed. Upon completion of the Yoga Mala Event, participants will collect the donations from their pledge sheet and Wild Lotus Studio will donate ALL PLEDGES earned to the KSAN HOUSE on behalf of the Yoga Mala Challenge. Yoga in Action!

Locations: If the sun is shining meet at the Skeena View Park on Halliwell. If it is raining we will convene at the Wild Lotus Studio, 4607 Lazelle Ave.

Date and Time: Sunday April 18th, 2010 - 11am – 1pm

Registration Fee: $20 per person to participate

Register today and pick up your pledge forms at the studio!