The Last Day in the Garden
When Erich Schiffman was in Yogaville, he spoke about his understanding of the connection we all have with what he calls “Big Mind” (what some of us would call the divine, and others might call universal consciousness.) You can tune into Big Mind by quieting your own little mind through practices that allow you to get out of your own way and “plug in” to the truth of this connection, and insights and sparks of intuition. As you saw from my horoscope recently, Big Mind has some plans for me.
So let me lay out the vision that has been laid on me and ask for your help, as Big Mind’s penchant for connection demands of me.
The Washington DC region needs a yoga co-operative.
Yup. I’ve been visited by a vision of an autonomous association of yoga teachers and practitioners united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned, democratically controlled enterprise.
Kinda nerdy was my first thought.
But though it is very different from the other creative visions I’ve played with here, it seems to fit the bill for a heart that has longed for a bigger, broader, deeper and more meaningful in-person connection with others who practice yoga. [Nice going, Big Mind!]
I’ve shared this vision with close friends, and friends of friends and each time I’ve seen the spark ignite again, like it did in me. As we’ve talked the vision through, considered all the questions that arise, reached out to even more yoga teachers and practitioners for more listening and conversation, the spark has turned into a small flame.
An initial group met in person a few weeks ago to consider whether a DC Yoga Co-operative could come to fruition. We decided to continue to reach out, to listen and to gather sometime in January to develop a focused mission. Who do we serve? How? What positive change do we hope to bring to our region? How would it benefit those of us who already practice or teach yoga?
As you read this, do you feel the warmth of this spark? Want to know more? Go to Yoga=Union. I’ll ensure you are part this connected current.
My cohort for the 300 hour teacher training at Tranquil Space was very small: Suzy, Marjorie, Kelly, Kris, Sharlene and this beauty, Angela. Found her mat right next to mine for Yoga and Meditation one Sunday this month and was transported back to a time when we spent long weekends immersed in the practice. Slowly, we dropped what we thought we should be and got to be our true selves. We found that our vulnerabilities were embraced and loved.
lostandfoundyoga 