Yoga: Good for You, Good for Others
Transform your yoga practice into philanthropic action
Taking a donation-based yoga class where the money is used to fund community service; volunteering to support a non-profit organization that works to improve social or environmental justice. These are just some of the ways you can use your yoga to effect change.
There are more.
Seva or “selfless service” is a yogic precept and one that should be a part of your regular yoga practice. By donating your time or engaging in a charity yoga or meditation class, you are doing something important: becoming a vital link in a virtuous circle that does you and others good 🤗
Volunteering is an enriching, uplifting experience and has been at the heart of Do Yoga in Paris since our founding. From the outset, we’ve supported organizations in Paris like Karuna-Shechen and its Action for Karuna initiative; we’ve prepared and served holiday meals for Tout Est Un in Paris; and contributed comms and expertise to Mécenat Chirurgie Cardiaque, L’Armée du Salut, and Kabubu.
No matter where you live, seek out opportunities to give back and do your part to contribute to a more peaceful, beautiful community. Every little bit helps and make a world of difference.
SOME LEADS TO GET STARTED
Connection Karma (Paris)
Created in 2013 by Ashtanga Yoga Paris’ teachers, this not-for-profit makes yoga accessible to those for whom it is usually out of reach. Classes are donation-based (7€ for non-members) and finance Connection Karma’s yoga and meditation programs in subsidized housing in Paris. They are always in need of yoga mats and props, so if you have some to donate, get in touch!Tout Est Un (Paris and Liège)
This non-profit offers donation-based yoga and meditation sessions to the public. The money supports their philanthropic activities such as providing meals in shelters and organizing food re-distribution networks to help the homeless as well as combat food waste. Their latest project is L'Herbier du Mesnil, an inclusive and sustainable herboristerie in Ménilmontant.Karuna-Shechen (International)
Founded in 2002 by Matthieu Ricard and fueled by compassionate engagement (‘karuna’ means compassion), Karuna-Shechen works in northern India, Nepal and Tibet to support underserved communities and help them reach their full potential. The projects Karuna-Shechen undertakes ensure equal access to education, training, healthcare and hygiene.Mécenat Chirurgie Cardiaque (Paris, Angers, other cities in France as well as online)
Whether through their giant Yogis du Coeur sessions, their Petits Déjeuner du Coeur, or via running and cycling events, Mécenat Chirurgie Cardiaque is on a mission to raise as many funds as possible to offer life-saving heart surgeries for children from emerging nations 💕 In 2022, their Tour de France fundraising drive saved the lives of 21 kids!Nour (Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg, Nantes)
Established by Faustine Caron in 2019, Nour is a social inclusion project born of a desire to make yoga practices accessible to refugees and vulnerable populations. Nour offers donation-based classes in which yogis and refugees practice together, encouraging a sense of sharing.Qee (Paris)
As mentioned in a previous ‘stack (scroll down), Qee has partnered with Fondation GoodPlanet for the last few years to offer 12€ Hatha yoga classes at GoodPlanet’s headquarters in the bois de Boulogne. Expect an hour of breathing and all-levels movement in a beautiful setting. Is there anything better than unrolling your mat outside and practicing surrounded by nature and birdsong?
