Solidarity and Kaivalya

I just read my son a book called The Yellow Star - recommended to me by a friend at his school, who read it to their children. I think for me this sums up everything my parents ever taught me about "good" and "right" and being strong, and being a community member. It's how I always felt in my heart and how I want to teach my son to be. It's not just about "standing up for the little guy;" it's about being willing to put yourself out there to make a statement about justice. It's about knowing in your heart that you are part of a bigger community and you must act to support it even if you are not personally needing the direct support.

The story was the legend of King Christian X of Denmark. The book acknowledges that the story in it's oral and written history, nor the version in this book, were fully true, but adapted version of an allegory for solidarity and support for ones brethren. 

The author writes in the end notes:

And what if we could follow that example today against violations of human rights? What if the good and strong people of the world stood shoulder to shoulder, crowding the streets and filling the squares, saying ,"You cannot do this injustice to our systems and brothers or you must do it to us as well." - Carmen Agra Deedy, The Yellow Star

You've read about the family that hid Anne Frank, and you've heard of Schindler's list and the woman from Poland who rescued children from the Holocaust. Many people are offended by any reference to this horrid event with respect to current political issues in the US. But I think the larger point here is that some people are willing stand up for what they believe in not with violence and guns (which happens too) or a military coup, but by thinking clearly, following their hearts, and taking a risk...and this is important.. for someone else. 

For supporting others and ourselves we have terms like have ahimsa (non harming), seva (selfless service), bhakti (devotion), sattva (purity), satya (truth), and all the yamas (ethics) and niyamas (observances) at deal with self conduct/care and ethics.... and a new one for me - KAIVALYA.

In the yoga sutras, the fourth chapter talks about moving from "I" based consciousness to self realization - a release of ego to find enlightenment. The Sanskrit term for this liberation is kaivalya. The yoga path is designed to help us find our way to our truest self, so that we may free ourselves from the idea that we are individual, and rather we are all interconnected, part of one big universe - one divine thing.

In order for us all to be free, we must not only acknowledge that we are "in this together" (in the immediate but also metaphysical sense) but also that someone that affects one affects us all - and we are obliged by the deepest consciousness to support whatever needs supporting. To stand shoulder to shoulder (or mat to mat, or heart to heart) and say "we are one."

Love and light, Om Shanti, Shalom.

Toy Drive for SDCCS2 - a time for Seva and Paropakāra

This is the time of year when we all start checking things off our shopping lists for friends and family. Some opt out of the shop/give materialism and simply exchange good will and good company. Some agree to "not shop" and make donations to worthy causes in one another's names. Some donate time at food pantries, soup kitchens or sorting/distributing clothing at shelters. Some work on pet adoptions, or just spend time nourishing the love in their families. Some travel to protest sites, to needy countries, to hospitals or wherever a loving soul, another pair of hands and a few more dollars might help further a positive effort.

I applaud any way you choose to enrich the lives of others, and restore some sanity to what might be an otherwise daunting and crazy time of year, especially in our global and local political climates.

If you are local, and so inclined, I am collecting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages for the families in the community of where my son goes to school. A few decks of cards, a science book, a set of construction blocks, an easy reader set, coloring books and crayons, toy cars, a huggable stuffed toy, a hiking journal, a kid's yoga mat - any thing you have or could pick up easily at a minimal expense would be so gratefully appreciated.

You may bring them to any of the classes that I teach around the county (no need to ship anything from out of town please) and I will bring them en masse to the donation box at our school. We have 20 families on our holiday list to whome we'd like to bring a little extra cheer.

In Sanskrit Seva means selfless service. There are a number of words that are synonymous with charity or giving or the act of that. Here is a short list I found:

Atisarjana: the act of giving away something or making a donation.
satkriyā: a good action, charity, virtue
vara: Charity, alms
āmiṣadāna: gifts of material sthigns (in buddhist philosophy)

but my favorite so far is paropakāra: assisting others, benevolence, charity

What's yours?

Free and Donation Classes around town, January 2015

I just wanted to share the love by helping to promote these free, donation,and special deal yoga classes going on around town this month. As always check the actual studio websites for details or to validate class times (schedules subject to change). HAVE FUN - DO MORE YOGA!

Note: As someone who tries to make a living doing what I love, but also is well aware that good yoga comes at a price, I need to acknowledge that when you find a studio that you like, it's important to continue to patronize their business(es) to help them continue to provide good yoga, and be part of the community!

Yoga with Shawna

at Niantic Court in Mission Beach, on the sand (in front of Edgewater)

• Special Groupon Deal for 1 hour of group Hiking and Yoga - only $35
• Free/Donation Beach Yoga every day:

HAPA Yoga

4242 Camino Del Rio North #10 | San Diego | CA | 92108

• Donation Class Friday 1/23/15 @5:30PM with Lindsey (her last class) 
• Donation Class Saturday 1/31 @Noon with Angelica (her last class) 
• Free Class every Friday @10am Yoga and Alignment (suitable for beginners and those looking to deepen their practice. 

A Gentle Way Yoga and Joyful Movement Center

8274 Parkway Dr. #101, La Mesa, CA 91942

• Free Classes until January 31 for AGW members or $5 each for non-members (with coupon below only). Terms and conditions apply - read coupon for details.
  

Yoga One

1150 7th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

• Free Flow Level 1/2 Classes taught by YTT graduates (donations optional) Tuesdays @9am

Core Power Yoga Free Classes

• North Park: Monday January 19 @3:30pm - Illuminations Hot Power Fusion
• Mission Valley: Monday January 19 5:45pm - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
• Del Mar: Tuesday January 20 @7:30pm - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
• Encinitas: Tuesday January 20 @5:30pm - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
• Pacific Beach: Wednesday January 21 @6:15pm - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
• North Park: Saturday January 24 @10:30am - Boot Camp
• La Mesa: Sunday January 25 @ 9:30am - Illuminations Core Power Yoga 2
• North Park: Sunday January 25 @2pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)
• Pacific Beach: Sunday January 25 @2;15pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)
• Clairemont Mesa: Monday January 26 @ 7:15pm Boot Camp
• Poway: Sunday February 1 @ 1:15pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)
• Point Loma: Sunday February 1 @2pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)
• Pacific Beach: Sunday February 1 @2;15pm - Core Power Yoga 1 (taught by YTT)

Lessons in Seva, Gratitude, Fun, and Love - The MS Challenge Walk

I have been involved with the National MS Society Challenge Walk in Southern California since the same year my yoga practice started: 2004. I raised the minimum donation ($2500) for TEN years, walking in all but one of the events (my son was born during the walk in 2009). This year, year 11, I was unable to commit the fundraising and unable to commit to the training, the time and effort it was going to take to prepare for the walk. With a son entering elementary school, a technology part-time job and a new yoga studio/coop blossoming, there was just no time.

But I couldn't give it up altogether. I squeezed in a few hours here and there to help build a blog for the people who wanted to map out training plans and schedules, and ran a fundraiser for some friends who were doing the walk.

But even that wasn't enough. I still wanted to be part of the event. After 10 years of sharing 72 hours with an amazing group of teachers, moms, lawyers, scientists, fathers, children, cousins, partners brothers, philanthropists, friends, families, and therapists all walking for a a cure, I couldn't NOT spend time with them. I needed to see these people I have grown to adore, support, befriend...the ones with whom I've laughed, cried, blistered, ate, slept (the snoring kind), and for lack of a better word, BONDED.

For a few years prior while also being a walker, I volunteered to do the (very) early morning (humor-based) pre-walk stretch at the starting line and for the 2nd day of walking (by day three, there's more groaning and sense of urgency than there is patience to wait for someone to lead a stretch!). That means I had the unique and humbling opportunity to strut my yoga stuff on a (small) stage in front of (a few hundred) people, make jokes, and basically support them with as much love as one can muster balancing on one foot, reaching high into the air, and singing along to some pop inspirational tune at a very early hour.

So this year, I made sure to make my intention of leading the stretch clear. And thankfully, they took me up on my offer. Allow me to share a few photos that deepen my smile -asana every time I look at them!

YNW and Team Diane colors.

Okay, everyone, hands on your hips...

...lunge to the left...

...lean to the right...

...again to the left...

...wait, I mean to the right...

 

oh heck, squat in the middle...

...then take flight!

Partner yoga for 170? SURE!

Captain Morgan Arrrrgh-asana!

Thank you to the Pacific South Coast Chapter of the National MS Society for allowing me to continue to be part of this amazing event. Thank you to all the teams that have walked with me, fundraised with me, befriended me each and every year - I cherish you. Thank you family and friends who have donated funds and time, effort and love to create the space for this to happen. Thank you universe for leading me on the path to find this amazing event, these amazing people, and even be able to share yoga with them. Thank you son and spouse who supported me in this time and heart consuming venture. Until there is a cure, this is why we (they) walk.

Yoga App Gratitude Journal for just 99 cents (donated to charity)

I received a lovely email today from a treasured friend and instructor from my YTT program. I share this with you as a way to deepen your personal practice. It is about a new Iphone App called Gratitude Journal developed by Matt Elmore of www.buildafreeyogawebsite.com and www.pranatothepeople.com.

Writes Matt:

"I'd like to share with you something very dear to my heart. For the greater part of 2012, I had been putting together a non-profit called Prana to the People, an organization dedicated to spreading happiness through modern technology. Proceeds from Prana to the People go to various non-profit and relief organizations chosen quarterly. I'm excited to say that the first product, Gratitude Journey: an All-In-One Gratitude Journal for iPhone and iPad, has just been released.

"The idea for Gratitude Journey came about as a sudden realization. I had been using a gratitude journal for months to essentially start my day on a happy note, and keep that going. For those who don’t know what a gratitude journal is, it’s as simple as it sounds. At specific times of the day, you journal about things that you’re grateful for in your life. It’s amazingly effective. By keeping an attitude of gratitude, you’re constantly reminded of the happy things in your life, which are often hidden by stress.

"One day, a friend/leadership coach was telling me about one of her morning habits. She has this adorable practice of asking strangers in her building elevator, “What are you grateful for today?” I thought to myself about what a gift she is giving these people. When someone starts thinking about the macaroni art their daughter made for them, they’re going to be rocking a smile all day long. So the decision was made. Everyone deserves happiness and what better way to do it than through smart phone apps.

"Gratitude Journey is designed to enhance and automate the process of keeping a gratitude journal. You can add pictures to your entries, categorize them by type, and chart your progress. The two key features that really make the app powerful are the Daily Alarm and the Gratitude Gift. At specified times of the day, the app will send you randomly-selected past entries as a pick-me-up.

"This quarters' proceeds will go to kiva.org: a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty. I encourage you to support kiva and Prana to the People, by checking out Gratitude Journey, available for $0.99 on the App Store.

"Thank you so much for your attention.

Namaste"