According to Ayurveda and the Chinese school of martial arts, 108 is the number of pressure points in the human body, where consciousness and flesh intersects. In some schools of Zen Buddism, it is believed that there are 108 earthly temptations one must overcome if one wishes to reach nirvana. And guess how many energy lines converge to form the heart chakra? The point of all this trivia is to educate ourselves in the heavy-laden significance of the number 108. And it’s all relevant because of a very special charity yoga event, and most definitely an Abu Dhabi first.
The Moon Glow Charity Evening is what happens when you cross Hiltonia yoga instructor, Debbi Kochancyzk with community social entrepreneur, Pamela Abdalla. As the name suggests, it will be a magical, outdoor event, set against the backdrop of the Hilton’s beautiful Palm Garden.
Now if you’re a yoga enthusiast, this will probably make sense, but if not, bear with us: here is where the 108 comes in. On the evening, Yoga guru Debbi will be guiding participants through a challenging 108 salutations (or moves, for yee of ignorance.) As it transpires, the number 108 also has astrological significance, which goes right over our heads. The significance of performing by moonlight, however, is one we better comprehend. ‘The moon controls a great deal of our environment, and even our own physical being,’ says Pamela, when posed with the question of, ‘why outdoor?’ ‘The inspiration’, she continues, ‘came from a natural compulsion to return to the rhythms of the moon cycle and the primordial impulses they engender in us.’
You’ll be pleased to know, however, that the salutations will not be ‘moon salutations’ but a hybrid set of your basic easy-Joe ones. This is not only for the benefit of beginners, but because getting through 108 salutations will be a challenge in itself. ‘After every set of 27, we’ll be pausing for a break,’ Pamela offers, a hint of relief in her own voice. But Debi’s staunch motivation is actually contagious, ‘I promise you, we will break through a wall at around 50.’ She assures, ‘and after that, we’ll push through on adrenaline.’ With an estimated turnout of an astounding 150 participants, challenging or no, we are convinced it’ll be a fantastic experience. We are also convinced that this town is home to a lot of die-hard yoga enthusiasts who are grateful for the opportunity to do good.
‘Gratitude and humility are an essential part of regular yoga practice,’ Debbi says. ‘Here in Abu Dhabi we have so much to be thankful for.’ And she goes on to remind us of an inexhaustible list of the simple things many of us take for granted. ‘We affirm constantly the blessings we have. And the gratitude this inspires also inspires the impulse to give back.’
With all proceeds from the evening being donated to community laborers and domestic workers, you wouldn’t expect things to get any more rewarding than it already promises to be. Only it does. From vouchers for restaurants to a day out in Al Raha beach, there’ll be prizes galore. And everyone can expect to take home a lovely treat bag full of yummy smelling candles. Now add to the mix some music and entertainment by a couple of fantastically talented high-schoolers from the American Community School, who’ll be performing our favorite rock ballads, and what more can you ask for? A moment to catch your breath perhaps.
To round off the evening, Debbi will guide participants through a session of candlelit community meditation. It’s a well-deserved pat on the back for their stamina and good-work.
Dhs100. November 17, from 6.30pm-8.30pm at the Palm Garden, Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
