The power of SEVA combined with yoga: Create light that helps others heal their hearts and minds
In this world, there is a quiet, radiant power—a power that asks for nothing in return but gives everything.
It is the power of Seva, selfless service, and when combined with the practice of yoga, it becomes a deeply transformative force, both for ourselves and those around us.
In a world that often rushes after personal gain, Seva invites us to pause and ask ourselves a deeper question: How can I serve?
What is Seva?
Seva is a Sanskrit word that means selfless service. It is not volunteering for recognition or helping someone with a secret expectation of reward. It is an open heart, ready to offer what you can, where you are, simply because you care about someone.
Seva is not limited to grand gestures. It manifests itself in small moments—helping a neighbor with their groceries, sitting quietly with someone who is grieving, spending time cleaning the yoga studio, or teaching for free to those who cannot afford it.
When yoga and Seva meet: Inner and outer practice
Yoga is essentially a connection between body, mind, and spirit. But it also teaches us connection—with all living beings. When seva is combined with yoga, it anchors your spiritual practice in the real world. It is the path of karma yoga, the yoga of action without attachment to the result.
On the mat, we learn presence, discipline, and compassion for ourselves.
Off the mat, seva helps us extend that compassion outward.
It's not just about getting into the perfect pose—it's about becoming an instrument of healing for others, creating a light that gently touches the wounded places in our shared human experience.
Studio owner who offered courses to support the bereaved
Sarah, a yoga teacher at a studio in New York, began offering free weekly classes for those grieving the loss of a loved one—no program, just breath, movement, and space for feelings. People shared that these classes were the only place they felt safe, where they could cry and breathe again. Thanks to Seva, Sarah became a light for healing.
Why does Seva also heal us?
You may think that Seva is just about helping others, but here's the beautiful secret: it also heals the giver.
When we practice Seva:
Our ego softens. We stop asking, "What's in it for me?" and start asking, "How can I help?"
We grow in gratitude. Witnessing the struggles and joys of others reminds us of our shared humanity.
Our yoga deepens. We embody the teachings of compassion, surrender, and unity.
We find meaning. Giving from the heart gives meaning to our practice—and to our lives.
How can we start practicing Seva?
You don't need a yoga certificate, money, or a plan. All you need is a willing heart.
Here are a few tips to get you started right away:
Offer to help out at a yoga studio—cleaning, organizing, or supporting new students.
Give free classes at a shelter, school, or community center.
Put together care packages for those in need and distribute them after class.
Start a meditation group in your neighborhood or online—open to everyone, free of charge.
Just listen. Sometimes the most effective Seva is simply giving someone space for their pain.
A gentle call to action Seva is not about being perfect. It's about being there again and again, with love.
It is yoga in motion. When we move from the heart, every action becomes sacred.
So today, I challenge you—after your next Savasana, after your next breath—to ask yourself:
Where can my light help others heal?
You may be surprised at how much light you already have within you.
Be the light that reminds others of their own light
Yoga teaches us to find inner peace. Seva spreads that peace outward. Together, they form a cycle of healing that spreads to families, communities, and the entire world.
You don't have to change the world in a day. But if you can ease one person's pain, lift one soul's spirit, or bring a moment of calm to a troubled mind, you are doing sacred work.
By giving, we become more whole. By serving, we awaken.
So let's rise up—not just as yogis, but as bearers of light and love.
Have you had an experience with Seva during your yoga practice?
Let's inspire each other in the comments so we can continue to spread the light.
