Around a year ago, I watched a documentary film narrated by the late Peter Postelthwaite that looks back from 2055 when human civilization as we know it has ceased to exist and the earth has been virtually destroyed. From his post-apocalyptic vantage point, Postelthwaite reviews the evidence of climate change that could have served as a warning if only we’d paid attention. Toward the end of the film, he asks, why didn’t we save ourselves when we had the chance? “Is the answer that,” he posits, “at some level we didn’t think we were worth saving?”
This struck me, not just as a poignant question, but as the fundamental issue at stake, and as the very essence of yoga. Our belief in our essential worth is about recognizing consciousness and light within our own hearts and recognizing our place in the greater web of the universe. My experience has taught me that this practice does make me feel happier and better on a personal level, and it is much larger than just that– I believe that valuing ourselves is truly the way to shift and heal the planet. When we remember our true nature — our innate goodness and worthiness — we naturally extend that value and treat others and the earth with kindness, compassion, and respect.
On a personal level, my yoga practice helps me cultivate light and abundance within, and I find myself wanting to share the fruits of my practice with others – to reach out and get involved in the community.
Do you share this feeling and experience? Do these ideas resonate with you?
If so, come join us for the first monthly Kula Project class on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Yoga Sanctuary!
The Kula Project is a new group forming to expand the consciousness of the yoga community to include engagement with issues of social justice and social activism and to enrich the activist community through participation in yoga and embodied practices. More at www.kula-project.org.
The theme of Sunday’s class and discussion will be “Valuing Yourself Is A Radical Act.”
What: A community yoga class (all levels) and discussion.
Class co-taught be Kendra Hodgson, Lisa Leizman, and Allison Page. Discussion facilitated by Lisa Berkovits.
Donations (cash and check only) to benefit Seeds of Solidarity (www.seedsofsolidarity.org)
When: Sunday, January 30, 2011
Class: 4-5:15 PM
Discussion: 5:15-6:15 PM
Where: Yoga Sanctuary, 3rd Floor Thornes Marketplace, 150 Main St., Northampton, MA
Share the event with your friends on Facebook.
More about the Kula Project: www.kula-project.org
Written by Kendra Hodgson
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