I have this frame in my office stating the words above: yoga, seva, write, and travel. My co-worker yesterday popped into my office and asked “what’s seva?” I answered, “in yoga and Sanskrit it means serving others .” The act of selfless service.
I have this on my wall to serve as a reminder of what to focus on. A four word mantra .
Many times I feel that seva has to be something outstanding such as striving to volunteer in an underserved community in a struggling nation like the Philippines , working in a low paying non profit job with the homeless in the Bronx , or assisting foster kids in Compton. I have done all of these things , but oddly what I think may bring joy on more frequently is these gratitude cards.
It’s the small acts done consistently that make us, not the over the top short term events . How can we make seva part of our daily practice ? Just like brushing our teeth , mindfulness, or exercise?
Start small. Perhaps opening the door for someone. Smiling at a stranger. Letting someone go ahead of you in a grocery store line. Saying thank you while looking into someone’s eyes sincerely.
All kindness acts are welcome .
“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.”-Khalil Gibran
It Only Takes A Smile 