Photo illustration by me. All other photos in this post via Karma Yoga Project.

Like yoga postures, getting in the habit of selfless service takes practice.

As a way to inspire all of you beautiful readers, I have started the Karma Yoga series. My hope is that these stories will motivate you to extend your yogic practice and take it with you into the world. The series is also a way for me to actively cultivate compassion within the Alive in the Fire community, and remind us all of the importance of giving back to those in need.

With your heart open and mind calm, share what you have learned on the mat. Give freely to friends and strangers. Love and respect others. Go ahead: change the world.

It seems appropriate that the first story of karma yoga I'd like to share comes from the Karma Yoga Project, a non-profit based in Phoenix, AZ whose mission is based in the ancient yogic tradition.

As they state on their website, Karma Yoga Project uses the vehicle of yoga to "facilitate change both locally and globally by conducting research studies, educating high school students and adults about the benefits of volunteerism, and by making yoga available to underserved communities."

Donna Helm-Yost, the President and Founder of Karma Yoga Project, believes that by encouraging others to practice yoga, the world will become a better place. KYP has an incredible mix of programming. Here are several of their current projects:

Research for Change: KYP is conducting an archival data review of Beyond the Orphanage’s records to determine the long-term effectiveness of their interventions in the lives of older orphans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. KYP teaches sessions for the kids and makes home and school visits to monitor their academic success and emotional well-being.

Yoga for Change: KYP offers yoga to underserved communities–bringing the physical and psychological benefits of yoga to those who normally wouldn’t have access.

Education for Change: KYP educates local high school students regarding the needs of others locally and globally and the importance of volunteerism. They also speak to yoga teacher training programs about karma yoga and provide opportunities for them to teach yoga to children and adults who are experiencing significant challenges in their lives.

KYP hosts yoga workshops and sells yoga DVDs and other products in order to raise money for their cause. You can support them by making a donation or a purchase today. You can also connect with the KYP team on Facebook, Twitter, or through email.

Do you have a story of karma yoga to share? Do you work for a non-profit organization that you think Alive in the Fire readers would love to hear about? Email me today at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com. I can't wait to hear from you!