Global Mala Project 2008

Megan "Megs" Pischke is a sponsored snowboard athlete for Conservation Alliance member company The North Face.  Megs utilizes yoga in focusing for events and balancing life.  We enjoyed this piece about The Global Mala Project; it is a great example of doing something in your own life for something larger than yourself.  Enjoy! 

"The purpose of Global Mala is to unite the global yoga community from every continent, school or approach to form a "mala around the earth" through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108.  Held on Sept.21st and 22nd, the Fall Equinox, this is the yoga world's offering to further the UN International Peace day."
 
In short, it's a beautiful way to connect locally, globally, and spiritually, to support inner peace, and therefore be able to promote peace and help others. I believe it is important to cultivate and let your inner light shine, and therefore, give others permission to do the same.

As part of the Global Mala, each town, city, or community/group offers their form of a Yoga Mala (prayer) according to their yoga tradition and inspiration. Here in Vail, Colorado we (and I say we meaning over 70 participants!!) started off by offering up 108 sun salutations where every 20-25 was led by a different local or visiting yoga teacher. Each instructor provided inspiration for thought and personal prayer, and then offered up everything from local love, to love for other global communities in need, and of course to our beautiful Mother Earth. I have to admit, although I practice yoga often, I thought 108 sun salutations in a row would be trying. On the contrary, I really felt like I could have done 108 more!  I was not only moved emotionally, but empowered by the true spirit and strength of everyone participating that day. I felt a great hope and inspiration for our future of our planet, and all beings that reside here. We then had a beautiful meditation led by Eric, one of our local teachers/students. And to finalize the morning, we were blessed with a special presence. Sri Dandapani, a buddist monk from Kauai, HI. He led us through 108 mantras:

LOKAHA SAMASTA SUKHINO BHAVANTU
May all beings experience the blessing of unconditional happiness!

Namaste to all who helped organize something like this, and most especially my beautiful community of Vail for inspiring me daily!  Namaste to Shiva Rae.  Shiva is a founder of the Global Mala Project, and I am so grateful for all her inspiration and killer dance moves!

Global Mala plants seeds, get out there and participate!!
www.globalmala.org

Our local organization that was represented and supported that day is Bright Future Foundation (www.brightfuturefoundation-ec.org) a group that encourages and supports prevention and intervention of domestic violence.

Thanks for tuning in!
Megs