Do you like challenges? Do you want to help us raise funds for the EVP elephants?

To celebrate World Elephant Day this year, Mon 12th Aug, we are launching the Yoga4Ele’s Sun Salutation Challenge. We have seen some really hard times these last few months and years here at EVP. We all need a little refresh, reboot, restart. We need new energy and to clear the obstacles that have been present the last few years.

This year we want to call on the wisdom of Ganesha to help us bring awareness to the plight of the elephants in Cambodia on World Elephant Day, but also raise funds to continue our work and care for elephants. Being based in the remote jungle out here makes it hard for us to organise events – So WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The Challenge

The practice of yoga is a journey of self-discovery, leading to physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. We are challenging you to gather your friends, gather your yoga buddies at your studio, gather your community together and CHALLENGE yourself to complete as many sun salutations as you can. Make an event out of it and ask everyone to make a donation to help the elephants here at EVP this world elephant day.

Targets

One of the most profound practices in yoga is the performance of the 108 Sun Salutations, a sequence of poses that not only offers a robust physical workout but also holds deep symbolic significance. However we know this is also a big commitment. So whether you are just starting out, attend some yoga classes, practice every day or have completed a set of 108 salutations before, everyone can get involved.

7 Sets – Show up for the elephants of EVP
For those starting out, it is about setting up a practice with intention. Just showing up create awareness for the elephants of EVP.

21 Sets – Move for the elephants of Mondulkiri
With only 21 elephants left in the province of Mondulkiri, the work EVP does is critical. Focus your energy for small challenges and share the plight of these remaining elephants.

70 Sets – Compassions for Cambodia Captive Elephants
In the whole of Cambodia there are only 70 captive or working elephants left. They are an ageing population and deserve care and compassion from humans, not to continue working in exhaustive industries. Set your goal for 70 salutations and hold these elephants in your heart.

108 Sets – Full 108 challenge for elephants
The tradition of practicing 108 Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar in Sanskrit, in a row is an ancient tradition with deep spiritual meaning. This practice of 108 sun salutations teaches us compassion, empathy, and patience. The practice of 108 Sun Salutations is believed to generate an internal heat, or “fire,” that detoxifies and brings you closer to your inner self. It activates Prana, or upward energy, moving energy and emotions that may be stuck. People all over the world honour this tradition and have done so for a really long time. This challenge can create connections on a global + universal level, from human to human, human to nature, human to planet, human to both moon + sun.

Join the challenge

We will be doing our challenge over the weekend of 10-11th. You can set yourself or your yoga group this challenge for a specific day over the weekend leading up to World Ele day or you can even challenge yourself to do it over a week. No effort or contribution is too big or to small. Its about coming together and raising awareness and funds for the elephants!

So grab your yoga mats, pledge any amount, let us know how many sets you complete, get your family and friends to sponsor you or let them in on the challenge! And then donate on World Ele Day Mon 12th Aug!