To celebrate the countdown to Seva Canada's 30th anniversary, this week we're highlighting the connection between yoga and seva (service) as part of our "random acts of seva" campaign. Although in the West, yoga is often seen as a form of exercise, it has an important spiritual component. Yoga refers to traditional physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines, originating in India, whose goal is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility. In yoga, the principle of selfless service is referred to as seva. One of the forms of yoga is knows as  Karma yoga which is the yoga of action. It is developed around the idea of providing selfless acts without expecting a reward. Here at Seva Canada, our acts of service are to restore people's sight and prevent blindness in 9 of the world's poorest countries: Nepal, India, Tibet, Cambodia, Guatemala, Egypt, Tanzania, Malawi and Madagascar. By restoring sight to a blind person with a cataract surgery that takes about 10 minutes and costs just $50, our supporters are changing that person's life and the lives of his or her family members and community for generations to come. Restoring sight is one of the most cost-effective ways of reducing poverty. With a few days after surgery, patients can return to work or school, care for their families, earn a living and reach their full potential. This week's "random act of seva" is a Yoga Dance event being held in Vancouver as a benefit for Seva's sight programs. The event is being organized by one of our long-time supporters, Kambiz and takes place on Sunday May 8th, 2011 from 7-10 pm at the Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews in Vancouver. $10 suggested donation with all proceeds to Seva. For more information visit www.shivashakti.ca or www.pixieyoga.net or call 778-88-shiva. Thank you to Kambiz for organizing this event for Seva!