Community Service. Philanthropy. Paying it Forward. Donations. There are so many words we can use to cover a wide range of things. In yoga we often say Karma Yoga or Seva, selfless service. But even that can take on so many meanings. Below is a great excerpt from a Yoga International article on Karma Yoga that describes what I am trying to share…

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While today’s yoga teacher trainings often define karma yoga as sevā (the Sikh practice of selfless service), complex meanings of karma have evolved over millennia. These range from causality (our actions are ruled by cause and effect) all the way to free will (none of our actions are the result of prior causes, events, or divine intervention). Karma’s more conventional definition is “action,” “work,” “motion.”

In the studio yoga world, the interpretation of karma yoga as a selfless act is also influenced by consequentialism, and typically goes something like: “Doing good deeds in the world will bring me good karma, and doing bad deeds in the world will bring me bad karma.” This misunderstanding sets the following false precedents:

  • That we are the doer, aka the one in control, performing “good” and “bad” deeds.
  • That our judgments on what is just and unjust accurately reflect the subjective nature of reality.
  • That our actions are inherently designed to bring us either punishment or reward. 

According to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gītā, the literal book on karma yoga, walking the path of karma yoga means we must disabuse ourselves of the false notion that we are 100 percent in control and know what’s best for us, the earth, and other people (I’ll explain this in more detail soon). 

By immersing ourselves in this sacred text, we come to learn that karma yoga is all about praxeology, or the nature of human action. Praxeology is based on the premise that our actions have a purpose—and the potential to recast not just our own conditions but also the systemic conditions of our entire planet. What is that purpose? The pure enjoyment of the actions themselves. And those actions are rooted in what we most value. 

So much more can be shared and documented on this topic. But I encourage you to dive into what working or serving without any attachment to the outcome means to you. Doing something not for the attachment to the fruits of your labor, but because you feel drawn to a certain calling and feel a purpose higher than a monetary return to act & serve. It’s a practice and a hell of a lot harder in our current culture.

For me, I am absolutely drawn to the work I get to do. I feel a sense of purpose to serve and help others heal and become the healthiest and most conscious versions of themselves. But, I also have a mortgage, many bills and dogs to care for. So it is something I work on daily.

Beyond my daily clients/students & work I have decided that I am privileged enough to give back as much as I can. To serve in as many ways as I can. To donate time, manual labor, yoga classes & props and money as often as I am able.

Below, please feel free to check out my favorite causes – and should you desire…click on the donation link & share what you can! (And let me know if you do so I can keep a running total of how our community is giving back!)

And if you have a cause you’d like me to add to my list – please let me know!!

Sunflower Yoga Therapy & Friends/Family have raised/donated to date (Beginning in November 2023):

  • Meta House:
    • Meta House’s annual gala was in June 2024 & SYT+friends & family donated $4654!!!
  • Humane Society of Wisconsin:
    • Paws & Claws annual gala is in October! I’ll be there – join me?!
  • MADD (Wisconsin/Madison):
    • I’ll be participating in the annual walk in Madison on 9/28/24 – join me?!
  • We Got This:
    • I plan to raise money for this great local cause every Thanksgiving with a virtual Turkey Trot donation based class. In 2023 we raised $100! Check out their site to learn more about their programs & service/donation opportunities.
  • Habitat for Humanity (Women Build):
    • I joined the Women Build community in the summer of 2024 & am donating both my time/manual labor & money to this great local cause. Once my very own Women Build Team is established next year, I will share the link! Until then, you can still support the great cause on your own with the link above. Feel free to donate on your own, or support the fantastic women at Hatch Staffing by adding their team name into the fundraising team box!
  • Future Urban Leaders 
    • A great local cause that my dear friend & colleague Tina made me aware of – because her kick-ass son started and runs this amazing organization. I’ll be attending their annual gala in November & hope to provide them with ongoing support.
  • Radio Milwaukee
    • What can I say? Been listening since I moved here in 2009 & its a great local cause that supports so many things, beyond just your listening pleasure! A little bit goes a long way, consider becoming a member to support keeping this great organization alive and thriving.
  • Milwaukee Riverkeeper
    • A great local cause that supports nature, our parks & more specifically our waterways. I have made an effort to donate my time as many Earth Days as possible for their annual river cleanup! Check out their site for donation and/or clean-up opportunities!