In Search of Dharma with Joëlle
How one insight gave over 1,000 kids free yoga in South Africa
International Day of Yoga in Cape Town, South Africa, 2018
It was in 2016 during her 300HR YTT at Radiantly Alive that Joëlle Sleebos - a yoga teacher from the Netherlands - meditated on a simple yet life-shaping question:
What is my dharma?
The answer came through with clarity: seva (सेवा in Sanskrit) — selfless service. That moment sparked the beginning of a powerful community offering rooted in connection, care, and the true spirit of yoga.
Today, Joëlle is not only an RA alumna and a lead teacher of our 200HR YTT (the next one’s happening this August!), but also the founder of International Day of Yoga – Cape Town — a volunteer-based annual gathering that unites yoga communities to raise awareness and funds for the EarthChild Project. Today, Joëlle is not only an RA alumna and a lead teacher of our 200HR YTT, but also the founder of International Day of Yoga Cape Town - a volunteer-based annual gathering that unites yoga communities to raise awareness and funds for the EarthChild Project.
The @earthchildproject is a South African nonprofit that brings life-skills, yoga, and environmental education to under-resourced schools. Giving more than just access to yoga, but access to possibility.
Since its inception, Joëlle’s event has raised over R300,000, giving more than 1,200 children in South Africa access to free yoga education.
At Radiantly Alive, we believe that dharma - our sacred responsibility or life path — doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Sometimes it begins as a download through meditation. An inner voice during practice. A heart-led pull toward something greater than our Self.
Asking the question “What is my dharma?” is not about fixing your future — it’s about listening more closely to the present.
It’s an invitation to align your gifts with the world’s needs, in a way only you can.
Joëlle’s journey is a beautiful example that yoga doesn’t stop at the edge of your mat.
It lives in how you show up — for yourself, your community, your calling.
Asking the question “What is my dharma?” is not about determining the outcome of your future - it’s about listening more closely to the present. It’s an invitation to align your gifts with the world’s needs, in a way only you can.
Joëlle’s journey is a beautiful example that yoga doesn’t stop at the edge of your mat. It lives in how you show up - for yourself, your community, your calling.
If you’re in Cape Town, join Joëlle on Saturday❤️
International Day of Yoga — Cape Town
Charity Event on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Rooftop on Bree
This full-day celebration is all about community, practice, and giving back.
Practice a variety of classes (Vinyasa, Yin, Kids Yoga, Sound Healing & more)
Explore wellness brands at the Yoga Market
Connect with the wider Cape Town yoga community
Support EarthChild Project through a raffle and direct donations
🎟️ Get your ticket
💛 Can’t make it? Donate here
📍 Rooftop on Bree
📲 Full class schedule announced on @internationaldayofyogasa
Joëlle’s journey is a shining example of dharma in action — a commitment to serve that continues to ripple outward through her teaching, community building, and deep care for the next generation.
Do you have a yoga story or initiative you’d love us to share?
Reach out to be featured in a future RA newsletter.