*Be a light unto yourself.
If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.
Happiness never decreases by being shared.*
– the last teachings of the Buddha as he was dying
2015 is the International Year of the Light.
We often take the power of light for granted. In Africa, only 13% of the population has electricity, and globally, over 1.3 billion people light the night with kerosene tin lamps – a toxic fuel source that is the equivalent of 4 packs of cigarettes a day. This toxic fuel also costs 20-50% of a families income as light is so important for education, keeping basic like clinics open and particularly for safety and reducing violence towards women.
Solar Lanterns are now an accessible, renewable, positive remedy to this issue, creating a people-to-people solution. Through the solar light company D.Light (founded by a peace-corps volunteer), micro-businesses and solar-lending libraries have provided over 47 million lamps worldwide since 2003.
After several years of research, I have started the “Be-A-Light” Solar Lamp Project to activate the yoga community and beyond to support the power of Solar Lanterns - right in your own home, and globally at the same time. The concept is to empower solar ambassadors to work people-to-people in their community by giving them direct access to ordering lamps, empowering their community. If you would like to help buy a lamp, 100% of your donation goes to giving lanterns to empower youth in our local “Be-A-Light” project with Wishtoyo and Share Neccessities. You may also support solar lantern projects locally or abroad for communities in need of light. http://yea-be-a-light.squarespace.com/ + www.yogaenergyactivism.org.
And coming up, April 25th at the Yoga Journal Conference in NYC:
Join Shiva Rea and beloved NYC DJ Tasha Blank for a rejuvenating evening of meditation, yoga, and tribal house music to tap into the power of abundant renewable energy as we connect to our inner light and solar power. This evening benefits “Be-a-Light” Solar Lantern Project, empowering youth in the United States and eradicating kerosene lamps in East Africa through yoga energy activism and Solar Aid. The lamps will bring some light to youth who are facing cancer at Comprehensive Center for Wellness Pediatric Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, as well as lighting the night for school kids in Tanzania.
$20 (support one solar lantern); $35 (support one lantern and take one home).
Click here to register; scroll down to Sol Yoga: Light the Night.