A different approach to moving forward
Earlier today, I wrapped the Virtual Wellness Experience I last wrote you about. It was one of those events that happened just at the right time while we were virtually all in the right places (our homes, of course.) A warm welcome to the students of that experience :).
It was a weekend of intensity. I think that word truly encapsulates the nature of all the feelings we went through individually and collectively, when we met for our live gatherings throughout the weekend. The live gatherings were 1.5 hour each with anywhere from 30-50 people on each call and we talked about rest, rejuvenation, and how to reset our whole selves. We talked of holding space for grief and loss, we spoke of unrequited joy and worthiness, and we shared our struggles of acceptance due to aspects of our ethnic and racial identities. The weekend meetings carried us through a time when racial inequity in America exposed itself yet again through murder and violence.
There were moments this past week and weekend, when my jaw dropped, my heart stopped, and my voice rose up. But of course, that's not enough to move the needle on justice reform. Our rage and anger in the comfort of our own homes, is nothing in comparison to the collective rage and grief of black communities across this country right now. So I've been thinking, about my individual action and our collective ability for change. Right now, in the middle of a pandemic, the line of immediate response is blurred because of community safety. It's disturbing and ironic though, no matter how often many of us stay home, people are still dying in the streets due to the virus and police brutality.
During the retreat I tasked myself and anyone else willing to ask their mother figure what they do for rest and what they do to feel rejuvenated. It's a conversation I've been hesitant to have due to the layers of complexity around communication and identity. After our last gathering today, I thought it might be the time to bring it up because it could be a moment's worth of distraction from the current news cycle and because she had called me three times while I was in my zoom meeting :).
When I called her we spoke of only two things:
1. Her TBD knee surgery and if I could be there in MI to care for her (Pls let me know if you have experience with caring for a knee surgery patient)
2. The current state of affairs. She's been reading and watching the news too and we had a thorough talk about racial disparity and implicit racial bias.
Then she said almost rhetorically, "Why is everyone out there protesting? Like your sister went out in Harlem, they could get hurt." To which I said, "If we don't all stand up to power for the black community, that power will go unchecked. Think about five years from now, who do you think will be subjected to violence then?" She said, "All of us. This is good that people are standing up."
We had a lovely goodbye and I sat for a moment speechless. Far too often, I can't connect with my mother but today, in the middle of a literal shitstorm outside, there was a moment of love-filled connection. This is the duality of existence.
I could go on about the rest of the weekend, but I'll leave you with a short note about the duality of things. In the midst of turmoil and a deregulated nervous system, yoga and meditation are two very useful ways to cope. I've added classes as promised and decided to make one class a week a donation-based class to benefit a local organization fighting the good fight.
(content edited for outdated schedule)
Reserve Space at www.tejalyoga.com
I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Warmly,
Tejal
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