Earth Hour

Tonight at Yoga Thailand we participate in Earth Hour, a massive global sustainability movement to raise awareness of climate change. Originating in Australia two years ago, this world wide event organized by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) asks homes and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for one hour. This is typically held on the last Saturday of March from 8:30 to 9:30pm at each country’s respective local time. In the first year, over 2 million households, buildings and famous landmarks joined in to show their support. Growing steadily since then, hundreds of millions of people in approximately 100 countries are officially switching off as part of this plea for the planet. It is an opportunity to take action, assume responsibility and become involved in ways to create a sustainable future. Earth Hour enables people across the world, from every walk of life imaginable to not only consider our impact we have on this planet but also to celebrate its innumerable gifts we often take without acknowledgment or appreciation.

Here at Yoga Thailand, all residents, staff and trainees are encouraged to observe this special event. Despite our relentless studying and anxiety over the upcoming exams, a small group joins together to show our love and support during this year's Earth Hour. Lelde, a soft spoken, gentle girl from Latvia by way of Switzerland and Jakarta, brings her guitar and newly learned skills. Andreas, the extremely thin, peculiar man and a regular here at Yoga Thailand, plays his Harmonia purchased from India. Kim, my Vietnamese buddy and always the comical addition to any group, arrives with her friendly spirits and thick accent. Brian also attends, enjoying our time together minus my books and study materials.



We form a small, intimate circle on the floor sitting on large, thick cushions. An array of candles, burning brightly, casts a glow over of sun colored skin. For the entire hour, we chant songs learned during our teacher training, as well as other commonly known and revered verses. Our favorite, Hare Krishna, which we always sing back in New York, brings much excitement and delight. We sit in amazement, being thousands of miles away from home, yet experiencing the power of the same revered mantra. We can’t help but smile and giggle as Lelde and Andreas rock out on their instruments. Although the small size of the group, our voices, energy and passion are intense, palpable and pure. It was a connecting moment shared by all and a much needed break from all our of studies.



Ironically, the sensory lights at Yoga Thailand repeatedly turn on, slightly negating the purpose of Earth Hour. However comical, our intentions remain focused, inspiring us to stop the degradation of Earth’s natural environment. We participate and join together in the hopes of a future where people live in harmony with nature.