Seva

Seva, which means selfless service in Sanskrit, refers to the act of giving without expecting anything in return. The paradox is that the act of giving itself is a reward; anything additional gained is simply a bonus.

We can practice selflessness through our everyday actions. Personally, I find it challenging to commit to my yoga practice outside of teaching. Getting to the mat can be difficult, and I’m not always sure why. However, I’ve never regretted doing yoga; I’ve never finished a session thinking, "Ugh, that was awful." So why is it so hard to start? I believe it's because prioritizing our well-being often takes a backseat to our obligations to work, family, and other responsibilities, making it easy to put ourselves last.

I remind myself that in a real emergency, we must put on our own oxygen mask before assisting others. To truly help those around us, we should start by taking care of ourselves. When we heal ourselves, we can support others in ways we might not have realized were lacking.

Showing up on the mat is not selfish; it is an act of love toward ourselves. It nourishes our minds, bodies, and souls, and this gift of self-care comes without expectations. The benefits, however, are significant. What insights about ourselves can we discover and share with others? Committing to a wellness routine or yoga practice—whatever it may be for you—can have wonderful ripple effects on those around you. Perhaps it even brings a smile to your face that brightens the day of a stranger you pass. That stranger might need that smile more than you will ever know.

The small acts of kindness we offer ourselves can extend to others, allowing us to truly practice seva. Giving without expectations is the greatest gift of all.