San Francisco’s Yoga Tree was recently one of 300 host locations worldwide honoring the United Nations Day of Peace through Shiva Rea’s Global Mala project. The first annual gathering of its kind, the Global Mala strives to create an international yoga collective united by service towards current pressing issues such as global warming, child war refugees, and AIDS. The event honors the sacred cycle of the number 108.

In San Francisco, the evening began with a round of 54 sun salutations led by local teachers Janet Stone, Nikki Estrada, and Katchie Ananda. Thanks to modern technology, Ram Dass spread love and campassion through a “virtual” appearance.

Christopher Thompkins followed with 108 rounds of Gayatri Mantra and Janice Gates with 18 minutes of meditation. The nicest part of the evening was a candle-lit session of Kirtan with David Lurey and Murabai followed by Gamelax X’s Alyssa DeCaro leading ecstatic dance.

I was one of many volunteers under local teacher and event coordinator Amy Hanaughan. The event raised over $1,500 for local organizations Glide Church, East Bay Aids Project, and Trees for the Future!