Seva Yoga for Service

In Yoga philosophy, the virtue of generosity reminds everyone that all beings live from the donations of others, as the world, family, and that we are all connected. The action of giving back is a sincere sharing of wealth (money, talents, service) acquired by right means, and it is counted among the ten niyamas (the code of conduct) on the Yoga path. Service (called “seva” in Sanskrit) is something necessary for everyone’s continued development. Community is nurtured through voluntary gatherings for service together, where teachers and students can connect with each other while, at the same time, doing something that makes the world a better place.

The ECHOyoga Community Center is focused on bringing yoga closer to the general public through classes created for absolute beginners (or the stressed, injured, and heavy-set). A new dimension of yoga is being offered starting this August—that of further deepening community spirit and learning more of the other aspects of Yoga, beyond asana postures.

ECHOyoga’s Thursday classes at 6:30 p.m. will be offered for this purpose. The first and third Thursdays of the month are Seva (Service) Nights, where yoga classes are connected to charity and healing for the benefit of sexually abused young girls from CRIBS Foundation. These classes can include asanas, yoga nidra healing, pranayama (breath manipulation), techniques for asanas, Sanskrit chanting, Yogic philosophy, and discussions from the Yoga sutras. Teachers offer their services for free, and students can donate any amount they wish. No student will be turned away for lack of funds. Proceeds of this class will go to building a revolving logistics fund to bring sexually abused young girls (ages 9 to 16 years old) from the CRIBS Foundation to the ECHOyoga Community Center for Saturday afternoon healing yoga classes.

The second Thursdays of the month are for Breath and Meditation, a class that is open to people who may not even be yoga practitioners, but wish to learn basic meditation techniques, healing visualization, and pranayama. This class explores inner subtle states for deeper knowledge of one’s Self. Deepening Focus, a class open for all levels, will be offered on the last Thursday of the month. Individualized instruction will be adopted for the student’s needs to explore asanas (postures) within their level.

Regular classes include Gentle Flow, Yoga for Big People, Restorative Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, and Led Ashtanga. Visit echoyoga.echostore.ph for schedules, class descriptions, and fee details. ECHOyoga Community Center is at the Penthouse of Century Plaza, 120 Perea Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. For details and reservations, call or text 0906-5063958, or e-mail echoyogaworkshop@gmail.com.