Karma Yoga and the Quiet Power of Volunteering.

In yoga, the word “karma” is often misunderstood. It’s not about cosmic punishment or reward: it simply means action. Karma Yoga, one of the traditional paths of yoga, is the yoga of selfless service. It’s the practice of doing something with no expectation of outcome or recognition. Not to better ourselves. Not for applause. Just because it’s the right thing to do.

This Volunteers’ Week, I’ve found myself reflecting on my journey with Karma Yoga, not just on the mat or in the studio, but through my work as a volunteer.

For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with Samaritans, and now more recently with Shout, a mental health text support service. These experiences have deepened my understanding of yoga far beyond physical postures. They have become a practice in presence, listening, and holding space without judgment, just as much as any time spent in meditation or savasana.

There is something profoundly yogic about sitting in silence with someone’s pain, not needing to fix it, just witnessing it with compassion. It reminds me of the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna tells Arjuna to act, but not be attached to the fruits of his actions. That’s Karma Yoga.

Volunteering, like yoga, asks us to meet people where they are. It asks us to show up. To be with what is. And sometimes that means answering a text in the early hours of the morning or sitting with someone through their darkest thoughts. Other times, it means saying very little, but saying it with love and clarity.

What I’ve learned through volunteering is that presence is often the greatest gift we can offer. And that sometimes the smallest actions: sending a message, listening without judgment, sitting in solidarity can ripple out in ways we’ll never fully see.

I didn’t set out to become a volunteer to “do Karma Yoga.” But looking back, I see how much these acts of service have become a part of my yoga practice. They’ve softened me. Strengthened me. Connected me more deeply with the whole human experience.

So this Volunteers’ Week, I want to offer deep gratitude to all those who serve quietly, behind the scenes. To those who take time to listen, to care, and to show up—again and again.

Karma Yoga teaches us that our work, when done with love and without attachment, is the path.

If you’ve ever wondered how to live your yoga beyond the mat, consider this an invitation. The world doesn’t need more perfect people, it needs more present ones.

And if you’re already volunteering, whether formally or informally, thank you. You are doing yoga in its most profound form.

With love and service,

Naomi Hurst✨

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If You’re Struggling, You’re Not Alone — Support Is Available

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low, please know that help is available — you don’t have to face this alone. Here are some free and confidential services you can reach out to:

📱 Shout 85258 (Text Support Service)

If you need immediate support, you can text:

SHOUT to 85258

This is a free, confidential, 24/7 text service available to anyone in the UK struggling to cope. A trained volunteer will reply to you and listen with empathy and understanding.

📞 Samaritans

Call 116 123 (free, 24/7, UK-wide)

Whatever you’re facing, Samaritans are there to listen without judgment. You can also email jo@samaritans.org if you’d prefer to write.

🌐 NHS Mental Health Support

• Call 111 (select option 2 for mental health support in many regions)

• Or visit your GP for guidance and referrals to local services.

You can also visit www.nhs.uk/mental-health for tools, advice, and local services.

You are never a burden, and it’s always okay to reach out. Taking that first step is brave, and help is here when you need it.