This is the Warrior Salutation Yoga lovers! and I want to talk about a topic that is close to my heart and one that I believe should be on every yoga practitioner’s mind nowadays: environmental responsibility.

As we all know, yoga is not just about the asanas and pranayama, but it is also about the ethical and moral principles that guide our daily lives. The Yamas and Nyamas are the foundation of yoga philosophy, and they teach us about cleanness, compassion, honesty, contentment, and many other virtues that are essential for a meaningful life.

But how often do we think about applying these principles to our relationship with the environment? How often do we express gratitude for the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat? And how often do we take concrete actions to protect the planet and preserve its resources for future generations?

I believe that yoga lovers have a special role to play in environmental activism. We have the ability to cultivate the courage, resilience, and determination that are necessary to face the challenges of environmental protection. We have the power to inspire others to join us in this journey of responsibility and awareness.

That’s why I designed the Virabhadra Namaskar workshop and framework, a practice that combines the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga with the urgency of environmental activism. This practice is not just about building strength and flexibility, but it’s also about developing the mindset and attitude of a warrior who fights for a noble cause.

The short version of the workshop is a 90-minute class that focuses on the transitions between the three Virabhadrasana variations and the reverse warrior. We start with some breath and energy work, we do some stretching, and traction for bones and muscles, and then we move on to the asanas themselves. The preparation for the asanas is the asanas in themselves, with a focus on the needed attitude. We use the very moment of performance to cultivate bravery and resilience. Some standing postures in between allow the body and mind to rest from possible challenges.

At the end of the class, we all enjoy good relaxation and breathing meditation. For Vinyasa lovers and gym-goers, sure this is a great sequence to build strength and flexibility once that it so important for you. For those who already have a self-practice routine, I encourage you to try it alone, even as a short practice.

The long version of the workshop is a sacred secret practice that I deliver only to those who are willing to commit to the tough path of environmental activism. This takes at least 2 hours and is designed for those who already have integrated Yama and Nyama principles into their daily lives and yoga practice. If you are one of those, keep doing well, and always put ethics and moral principles above all. If you fail for some reason, don’t mind, just forgive yourself, and keep moving forward. We are human beings, and it’s perfectly fine to not be perfect.

2021 was a crucial year for all spiritual practitioners, and I believe that environmental activism should be at the forefront of our concerns. That’s why your payment for the Virabhadra Namaskar workshop is converted into an activity of environmental protection, education, and waste management, as well as the plastic recycling project that I’m working on based on the Precious Plastic platform. By participating in this workshop, you are not only benefiting yourself but also contributing to a better world.

So, my dears, let’s start expressing gratitude in an activist way toward environmental protection. Let’s make the best use of Yamas and Nyamas. Let’s develop the mindset and attitude of a warrior who fights for a noble cause. Let’s embrace the journey of bravery and courage through ethical and meaningful living, and use our yoga practice as a tool for environmental protection. Let us remember that by doing so, we are not only benefiting ourselves but also contributing to the well-being of all beings and the planet as a whole. And above all, let’s remember that we have the power to make a difference with one breath, one asana, and one action at a time.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.