Once you begin to practice Yoga, you start to understand that it’s much more than just a sequence of poses on the mat. Yoga philosophy is guided by inner peace, self-awareness, and interconnectedness with all beings. Over time, being a yogi means more than just practising or reading about it, yoga becomes a lifestyle, an embodiment of the teachings themselves.
Why as Yogi’s, we have a responsibility to care for the environment
By practicing Yoga, we learn to cultivate awareness, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards our surroundings. We become mindful of our actions, how they impact the world around us, and how we can contribute to creating a healthier planet.
We deeply believe that to be a Yogi is to have a responsibility to protect Mother Earth, our home, and the ecosystem that sustains all life forms. We understand that the health of the environment is essential for the well-being of all creatures.
There are many reasons why Yogis have a responsibility to protect the Earth:
Harmony with the environment
The environment is an integral part of the yogic practice. Yoga was created in harmony with nature. The yogic texts teach that the environment is an essential aspect of our well-being, and the practice is best done in a peaceful, natural setting. By practicing Yoga in nature, we can connect with the Earth, experience its beauty, and develop a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity of all beings, landscapes and seasons.
Ahimsa (Non-harming)
Ahimsa is the first of the 8 Limbs of Yoga in the Yoga Sutras, the first Yama (ethical restraints) mentioned in the path of Yoga. This fundamental principle teaches us to refrain from causing harm to others, including the environment. By protecting the Earth, we uphold the principle of non-violence and honour our interconnectedness with all beings.
Our future
We have a duty to future generations. The choices we make today have a ripple effect into the future of our planet and its inhabitants. Yogis have a responsibility to protect and preserve natural resources and to tread lightly on the Earth so that it may heal, over time. By taking care of the environment, we ensure that our children and grandchildren and all life have access to clean air, water, and natural resources.
Connection
The yogic philosophy teaches that we are all connected and that our actions have consequences that ripple through the universe. When we harm the environment, we harm ourselves and all other living beings. By protecting our ecosystems, we create a healthier, more vibrant planet that benefits all life forms.
Compassion
According to the Yoga Sutras (1.33), one way to purify the mind and increase serenity is to practice compassion (karuna) in the face of suffering. Compassion means “shared feeling,” a level of sympathy so deep that it inspires action to alleviate another's pain or sorrow. By showing compassion to the Earth and all of her creations, we have the power to alleviate suffering for the planet and all beings.
We have a voice
Yoga teachers and practitioners are often looked upon to create an example in communities of goodwill and wellness, for ourselves and for others. They say that from one flame you can light a million candles, and this is also true with our actions. By showing the world that you care about the Earth, about all creatures you are shining the path for others to learn and to generate the same loving kindness in their own heart.
As Yogi’s protect the earth is essential for our well-being and it is a fundamental expression of our yogic practice. By cultivating awareness, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards the environment, we can contribute to creating a healthier planet and a brighter future for all beings. As yogis, we must take action to protect the earth, conserve resources, reduce our impact on the environment, and inspire others to do the same.
At ZONE, all of our Yoga accessories and apparel are designed with the preservation of the planet in mind. From our materials, to the number of products we make, to our remote business model and our partnerships with One Percent for the Planet – everything we do has sustainability at the forefront of our mind.
For all of your eco-conscious yogi needs we have created our What Every Yogi Needs Bundle so that you can create cultivate an eco-friendly practice.