Rise to Action for the People of Ukraine

Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine, who like us, have been navigating the collective grief of an on-going two year pandemic, now face an extremely terrorizing and devastating humanitarian crisis as Russian armies invade major cities with brutalizing military force.

That gut wrenching pit in the bottom of your stomach, we feel it too.

War is a tragic crime against humanity. With the situation changing moment by moment, more than 2 million Ukrainians have fled seeking refuge in neighboring countries, with Poland being a lead escape route. As the crisis deepens, innocent lives taken, and fears heighten surrounding what’s next, many are asking what we can do to help?

Here’s What You Need to Know:

– Since the end of World War II, no wars have been fought in Europe. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has swiftly changed the dynamic of civil peace keeping between countries, and the European Union at large.

– The global response to Russia’s attack has imposed a reimagining of foreign policies and declarations of support as leaders watch this world historical event closely.

– Western allies instated sanctions to ban travel, Russian oil and gas, and have frozen assets to block people or businesses from access to Russian central banking.

– President Zelensky has addressed calls to action for safety evacuations for civilians, and continues to plead for allies to provide air support to advance the Ukrainian air force, however, NATO denied a no-fly zone as could be seen as a possible threat to Russian forces leaving Ukraine more vulnerable.

– The Russian government has imposed a mandate punishable by law that censors civilians on facebook platforms, major news outlets, and journalists from speaking out against the invasion with a 15 year jail penalty.

– Tens of thousands from around the globe have gathered in solidarity to protest in support of Ukraine, including Russian civilians, demanding an end to the war.

Concerning Crisis:

With each passing day, inconceivable death tolls rise for innocent Ukrainian citizens. Many are hiding in bomb shelters as infrastructures, schools, hospitals, and homes lay in debris of targeted destruction. People are facing a desperate need for food, water, and shelter as shelters fill to capacity. While President Zelenksy stands with the people of Ukraine as an honorable leader; the invasion has proven nonetheless ruthless in its spiral of dismay, distressing life threatening accounts, and severe long term environmental and agricultural damage.

Here’s How You Can Support:

– Stay informed to Zelensky’s calls to action to unify with the people of Ukraine.

– If you are able, send donations, explore resources, and government assistance ukrainewar.carrd.co

– Consider booking an Airbnb rental in Ukraine to direct support to local citizens

– Join a peaceful protest in support of Ukraine in your local area

— Participate in a local community fundraiser of your choosing to help send support to Ukrainians

It’s our hope there is an end to this conflict, and a healing restructuring in the wake of it. Now more than ever, we must stand on the right side of history in solidarity with Ukraine to call for our allies to compassionately rise up with collective strength along with us.

Lovingly,

The Rasa Yoga Collective

About the Author: Rosie Llewellyn is a Haitian - American artist, author, yoga teacher, and sustainability leader inspired by the beauty + abundance of our natural world. Often immersed in the mountains, chasing sunlight, and calling it poetry, Rosie aims to bridge the elements of creativity, movement, and earth wisdom to advocate for a sustainable way of life in balance with our planet.