On March 13, Yoga Will Stop Traffick

Anyone who practices yoga knows that it goes beyond physical exercise. A lot can be discovered in the poses, the breathing, and the quietude. One might imagine that for a survivor of human trafficking, a lot of healing could be found in yoga.

The Odanadi Seva Trust in Mysore, India, believes in its therapeutic potential, and that is why on March 13, 2010, they will host their Yoga Stops Traffick event to raise awareness and support for ending human trafficking. The main event will take place at Mysore Palace, and it’s kind of a big deal: Odanadi trafficking survivors will lead a class of 200 participants, including politicians, press and supporters from around the world. Can you imagine the scene?

And, as is traditional in this sort of event, they will run through the sacred number of 108 rounds of sun salutations, representing the distance of the sun and moon to the Earth, or 108 times each celestial body’s diameter. On average, 108 sun salutations take about two and a half hours, which is completely hard-core. Having never practiced yoga so long in one stretch, I can only imagine that the experience is intense, but moving.

Throughout the rest of the year, Odanadi serves as a safe haven for women and children who have been exploited and abused in a number of scenarios, including sex trafficking, domestic servitude and child marriage. The organization provides shelter for its participants, as well a individualized rehabilitation program that helps each survivor reintegrate into society. Most of all, Odanadi aims to prevent re-trafficking, which can occur with nearly 25% of rescued victims. For maximum success, the center uses a combination of approaches, with counseling, art, karate, and, of course, yoga among them. The unique philosophy and practices at Odanadi are interesting to think about in terms of a model for creating rehabilitation centers where there is a need. (Um, the United States, anyone?)

While the main event is being held in India, satellite events will take place in centers the world over. Check out the Yoga Stops Traffick site to find an event near you or, as suggested by Odanadi, host your own! Namaste.