At True Nature, our mission of giving back to local communities around the world is at our core. Integration with new cultures and supporting the local communities on our retreats are some of the ways to truly be able to experience a destination and learn about the culture.
Reflection
It has been a powerful year of service with the True Nature community. With an emphasis on the process, this service work isn’t just done and over, it creates an impact that keeps rippling- through the community and through ourselves. One of the takeaways from Karma Yoga is it is reciprocal. The service is not only beneficial for the communities we serve but a rich experience for each of 
us. What we learn from these projects and communities goes above and beyond the efforts firsthand. We leave feeling more collaborative, motivated, and with a fresh outlook. Most often this work creates more action. Karma Yoga creates more motivation to keep the service process going. Even with little time to put forth, the tiniest acts help significantly. The willingness to further our efforts and perspective, to create a global community is contagious.
True Nature Directors, Kristyn, Charlotte, and Prema were fortunate to be able to join our most recent Karma Yoga project in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. We partnered with an amazing group during Alyssa Snow’s retreat. We are grateful to Alyssa for inviting us to join and it was a powerfully rewarding experience.
About La Puerta Abierta
Six years ago, La Puerta Abierta opened the first creative, non-conventional preschool in Santiago, Atitlán. They have created an environment for our young learners which is inviting, educational, and stimulating. The staff has designed a creative curriculum which embraces art and exploration.
La Puerta Abierta strives to educate the whole child by offering a variety of learning opportunities via music, body movement, out-door education, sports, theater, art, nutrition, and food preparation. La Escuelita Puerta Abierta currently offers seven academic grades, preschool through 5th grade.
The Projects
We were able to help with a few different projects including gardening in the community garden, the playground, and helping build an addition to the classroom.
It was a beautiful experience to be able to work with the students during their recess! Everyone pitched in to help.
What a difference many hands can make!
Community
With Karma Yoga, you become one with the community. This we learned firsthand. When it was time to depart, we received a special surprise.
A special thank you to the La Puerta Abierta Community for letting us spend the day at your beautiful school! We would also like to extend our gratitude to Alyssa and her group, for this special collaborative experience we were able to share with you.
Last but not least, a shout-out to our community who value this work just as much as we do, and we look forward to the next Karma Yoga experience. To find out how you can help or lead a service project, visit https://truenaturetravels.com/educational-travel/karma-yoga/.
