Community Conversations: a year in reflection
Over the past year, Community Conversations has grown from mere idea to reality. What was once a hypothetical about community building that would be chaotically elaborated (ranted) by me to Hollie after a Yin Reset class is now a regular space where community can connect with each other. Our sessions are small but mighty, with even the quietest sessions offering self discovery and community cohesion. The seemingly simple act of sitting together, speaking honestly, and listening with the intent to understand is difficult, yet profound. As a facilitator, I have learned how trust is embodied within the self before it it is realized in relation to others; I have surprised myself with my own curiosity; I have found my voice despite the noise and disruption; I have witnessed shifts in how I view myself as a capable person in and of this world. As a participant, I have learned the important practice of patience in the process of understanding; I have gained greater insight into the lived reality of my dear friends; I have witnessed the courageous power of compassion.
The lesson that I cherish most, however, is knowing that I am not alone in feeling uncertain about the state of the world, nor am I alone in feeling called to create a world better than the one we're in today.
As we bear witness to seemingly perpetual "unprecedented times," worries about what's happening in the present moment compound with those unresolved concerns of the past. The weight of these concerns is heavy, its force feeling like an ambiguous call to action for humankind. Somewhere bouncing in the monkey mind is the imperative: the current state of the world is unsustainable and a better world is possible. Whether we like it or not, a future is forthcoming; what that future looks like is up to the consequential moments that start right now. The lived experiences of today--with every individual action and belief accounted for--effectuates the lived experiences of the future.
This opaque imperative to create a better world feels overwhelming on a good day. It is difficult to stay both informed and inspired in a country that endorses billionaires, condemns violence against wealth as political, violates legally protected rights designed to protect people, and continually aids and abets an ongoing genocide (among other condemnable acts). Simply paying attention to the present reality feels exhausting, but it also feels like the bare minimum. This basic responsibility to stay knowledgable about sufferings in need of remedy in a tumultuous world is an immense burden, both mentally and morally. The mind and soul are fatigued by the heavy weight of the information age.
It is in these moments of overhwelm that I find nourishment in community. And what a brilliant source of inspiration we have at Satya. Even the smallest glimpse of the space shifts my perspective; a moment of uncertainty eased by joining in on a communal breath. When I feel consumed by the command to save everything and everyone everywhere all at once, I am reminded of the beautiful souls within our beloved studio that continuously practice presence, patience, and perseverence. I think about the diverse life experiences we bring into the studio, and the intentional experiences we carry from the studio as a result of our communal practice of yoga, of "yuj," of unity. I reminisce about the countless conversations in which we share worries with each other, and the many more conversations where we share wishes for a better world. Tears come to my eyes just thinking of our friend Troy, who so generously devotes his energy to care for the lives of bees and beings alike, all the while still making time (and honey) for his health and community. It is the we that gives me hope in a better future, in actualizing a world free from suffering.
I feel resolute in the idea that together we can make meaningful change. There is no singular cure for the polycrisis we face, but the essential ingredient is Community. Resistance requires the collaboration and strength of people united in love and understanding. As new catastrophes arise and overwhelm, the cohesion of community is what enables us to persist.
We share the responsibility of what comes next. I am grateful that we are doing this together.
