Hello friends,
Recently, I've been really moved by the power of unamored connection, friendship, and of the power seeing each other.
The longer I practice and teach through the lens of the wisdom teachings of yoga & buddhism, the more angles and experiences I work the teachings through.
What really holds up as wisdom through the life circumstances that keep unfolding?
As you likely know, I hosted 2 retreats in southwest Nicaragua in February that were absolutely magical. And these two pieces were at the center of my sharing.
One, the power of intention. The combination of directing our heart & attention towards what really matters to us.
Two, being seen.
It amazes me how healing, soothing, inspiring, and energizing it is to see and be seen.
What is being seen, really? Allowing others to see us, in our real life moments, real life emotions, even a little bit. This happens so naturally on retreat, because we are living and being in community, something humans have been doing since the beginning of time, and something that in and of itself is deeply healing.
Examples of being seen on retreat -
To see one another as show up to yoga, willing to connect with our bodies, open to whatever the practice holds, even and especially when we have limitations, injuries we're working with in body and heart mind. To witness one another do this, and be witnessed in this, each day for a week is powerful.
To sit at meals together, day after day, and simply have space to listen and be listened to. Sometimes to have a lot to say, sometimes not much at all. Sometimes navigating emotions may finally moving after years of holding, sometimes its being seen in the simple bliss of being alive and refreshing our senses.
Sometimes being seen can be intentional moments of eye gazing, which is a practice I love and I think has tremendous power to influence how we relate to one another. Oh, how I would love to do an eye gazing practice with this new administration, and help them see and be seen from the heart. Connecting authentically with other humans is absolutely essential for our wellbeing.
Seeing and being seen. I will share a recorded meditation with you in the coming days from our retreat, where I guided a few partner yoga exercises, then I guided a short eye gazing practice. You can practice with a friend, a parent, a kid, a partner. Look out for that early next week.
For now, I'd love to share my updated spring schedule.
Sundays 10:30am Soul Flow at Baker Beach.
Tuesday 8:15am Mindful Strength class at Purusha. This class is great for anyone who loves the vibe of yoga, and mindfulness of body & mind, and also wants to build more strength.
This Friday, 5:30pm - Special Event - Spring Equinox Sacred Pause, Yoga & Dance. This event is going to be super community oriented and fun! I hope you can share with your friends and get and join us (if you're in the Bay :)