Shutdown, Not Shutout From Service
October 18, 2013
By Guest Blogger: Chantelle Britton of mindfulexpression.com
Chantelle Britton uses yoga as a service to her community
Nearly two days as an official furloughed Federal employee due to the 2013 U.S. Government Shutdown, I started to get a little cabin fever in my DC condo. I grabbed my yoga mat and headed to the local yoga studio and took a few classes a day. It felt great; because I couldn’t remember the last time I dedicated so much time to my practice. As the Shutdown days lingered on – and it seemed like there was no end in sight, I realized I needed something else to do. The obvious answer was to give back. What better way to take advantage of an uncertain and anxious situation than to devote this time off practicing Karma Yoga – or selfless service, in my community? I signed up for the first open slot at Martha’s Table (a local charity in DC).
Chantelle Britton & President Obama at Martha’s Table
On my first day of volunteering, I chopped onions and carrots in preparation for lunch and dinner to be served that same day. What was extra special about this opportunity to serve was that President Obama decided to stop by! The President wanted to take time to serve and to speak with some of the Federal employees who had been furloughed because of the Shutdown. I showed up that morning at Martha’s Table not expecting anything in return and ended up making bologna sandwiches with the President!
What we learn from yoga on the mat is that it is a transformative process. Through our transformation, something shifts inside of us and allows us to be more present for our families, our friends and our community. Shutdown or not, make service part of your practice off the mat!
Giving back creates good energies all around you! You never know what to the universe might throw your way!
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