"Once we experience and feel this inter-dependence of all living beings, we will cease to hurt, humiliate, exploit and kill another. We will want to free all sentient beings from suffering. This is karuna, compassion, which in turn gives rise to the responsibility to create happiness and its causes for all." -- Suresh Jindal
Karuna For Animals: Compassion In Action, Inc. is a yoga-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2010 by Erica Settino after years of working in domestic animal rescue, advocacy and welfare, and witnessing the sadly prevalent disconnection in the movement. Also, a yoga practitioner and teacher for almost a decade at that time, Erica began using the philosophy and teachings of yoga as the foundation for her activism…
✨ Yoga as Activism ✨
Yoga isn’t just movement or stress relief—it’s a science of awareness. When we practice, we quiet the noise of conditioning and return to our natural state of union. From that place of clarity, we can see through systems of harm and disconnection, and choose more compassionate ways of being.
This is activism at its root: shifting consciousness, reclaiming agency over body and mind, and living in alignment with truth. Each breath, each posture, each act of awareness becomes a radical refusal to accept separation—and an affirmation of collective liberation.
When we practice yoga with this lens, we engage in activism. Why? Because activism is about disrupting systems of harm and separation. Yoga gives us the tools to:
See clearly: Awareness practices reveal the conditioning and patterns—both personal and societal—that keep us disconnected.
Reclaim agency: By learning to direct our thoughts, energy, and actions, we step out of cycles of exploitation and into choice.
Live in union: The ultimate goal of yoga is oneness. Practicing that truth in daily life naturally challenges injustice, which thrives on division.
Yoga, practiced as a science, is therefore not just personal healing but also collective transformation. Each mindful breath and movement is both inner revolution and outer resistance.
🎨 Art as Activism
The first event organized by Karuna For Animals was an art show and auction. Why? Because art has the capacity to make us think, feel, and respond in ways we might not have imagined. Artists of all kinds are often activists--using their unique style and medium to communicate in a way that often inspires others while promoting deeper awareness and connection.
Art is often seen as decoration or entertainment, but at its root, art is a science of expression—an alchemy of perception, imagination, and truth-telling.
When practiced with intention, art becomes activism. Why? Because activism is about shifting consciousness, challenging systems of harm, and envisioning new possibilities. Art gives us the tools to:
See clearly: Through creation, we uncover truths that words alone can’t capture—making the invisible visible.
Reclaim agency: To create is to refuse silence. Each brushstroke, poem, or song asserts: I exist. I matter. I create change.
Live in alignment: Art reflects our deepest values and dreams. By sharing it, we invite others into a vision of justice, beauty, and liberation.
Art as activism is not only protest—it is prophecy. It shapes culture, shifts narratives, and makes liberation imaginable. Every act of creation is both resistance and renewal.
Erica is a mother against dairy. . .
"Dairy causes massive suffering to animals, is a huge waste of land, water, & crops, and harms human health & our environment. Not your mom? Not your milk." -- Mother's Against Dairy
Learn more here:
🌱 Why Vegan?
Veganism is often misunderstood as a diet or lifestyle trend. In truth, it is a spiritual, ethical, and activist practice; a way of living in alignment with all of life.
Yoga teaches us union. Veganism extends that union beyond the mat—recognizing animals as kin, not commodities.
Art reveals truth and possibility. Veganism is a living art form, shaping culture by embodying compassion and justice.
Nature spirituality reminds us that the Earth and all beings are sacred. Veganism is the daily practice of honoring that truth.
So. . .Why vegan?
Because veganism is activism woven into the fabric of everyday life. Each meal, each choice, becomes a spell for liberation; a refusal of harm; a declaration of compassion and justice, and a step toward collective healing.
Veganism is not about perfection. It is about living as if our choices matter—because they do. It is about recognizing that the liberation of animals, humans, and the Earth are inseparable.
This is karuna - compassion in action. This is activist magick: a practice of saying yes to life, to interconnection, to love and care made tangible.
Gatherings begin with yoga and meditation, followed by our guest presenter, after which we will open the discussion for some honest and meaningful dialogue. Participants are encouraged to take part in the entire Kula. However, you are welcome to come just for the yoga/meditation or just for the discussion and discourse.
The next Karuna Kula gathering is coming soon. Suggested donation of $20, but no one will ever be turned away due to lack of funds.
Please:
Try to arrive at least five minutes early.
Bring a pen and some paper or a notebook.
Dress casually and comfortably and bring a yoga mat, any yoga props you may need, and a blanket or towel.
Spread the word and invite your family and friends to join us. Just be sure that they also RSVP.
Should your ability to attend the gathering change between now and then, please do contact us to cancel your registration.
Stay tuned by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Instagram.
NEXT KULA DATE TBA
The Sanskrit word, Kula, translates to, "an intentional community coming together of their own free will." It is a community of the heart. One that is built for the sole purposes of supporting and championing one another as we each make our way through often challenging life-situations, transitions, evolutions and revolutions.
The Karuna Kula is a community of folks who come together with the hopes of offering aid to those who are suffering. Every one of us is infused with our own special gifts. We are unique and wonderful and all have something amazing to offer the world. We come together in celebration of our own innate basic goodness, while supporting and championing each other on our individual and collective paths to liberation and justice for all.
These dates will offer myriad opportunities to gather, play, and learn together and from one another. It is our hope that these gatherings will help attendees--both children and adults alike--to foster true and genuine friendships while having lots of fun along the way.
Some play dates will be free of charge, while others will have a fee based on the venue and nature of the event. It is our goal to keep these gatherings affordable and accessible to all. We will do our best to facilitate outings that are enjoyable and appropriate for children of all ages.
*Please do note that these gatherings are open to all. However, we ask that any and all food brought to these gatherings (snacks, lunch, potlucks, etc.) be vegan. We appreciate your consideration and cooperation in this regard. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Join us for our next Play Date: Location & Date To Be Announced
Vegan Family Play Dates
In yoga, we practice the principle of Seva, which is to apply selfless service on behalf, and for the betterment of, community. If you would like to contribute the gift of your services please contact us. There are many ways in which we can come together to facilitate positive change for all living beings.
Volunteer
Donate
Host a class/workshop/presentation at your home or facility.
Listen to, pay, and learn from people with lived experience: BIPOC, Disabled, Autistic and Neurodivergent folks, the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.
Go vegan!
Have a restaurant? Host a vegan event and donate the proceeds.
Refer a friend to our website.
Educate yourself and others to the numerous injustices countless peoples and animals of all species face daily.
Always adopt your animal companions from a shelter or sanctuary.
Teach your children well. Treat your children well.
Get involved! Karuna means compassion in action. Get moving in any way that is available to you.
Monetary donations are tax exempt. Our EIN# is 27-3608849. Click on our "Donate" button below to donate directly through PayPal, and be sure to save your receipt for tax purposes. Checks and money orders can be sent to Karuna For Animals: Compassion In Action, Inc., 4 Target Rock Road, Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743.
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Seva:
"Love and justice are not two. Without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters." -- angel Kyodo williams