I attended a class at the studio last week and talked with the teacher beforehand. I asked how her day was (intense to say the least) … She shared with me that while she was at work, a man in his twenties had a panic attack. She guided him through some breathwork to assist in allowing for some calm and peace to come through. As the young man settled and gained the ability to speak, he shared how he had come home the day before to find his roommate had taken his life. How this man showed up to work the next day after experiencing this deep trauma, I don’t know. What I do know is that this human is not alone. As I listened to the story I teared up and felt a great sadness. The reality is that I did not have to hear this story to feel the sadness and pain. We are all impacted by it energetically if not directly—even when we do not recognize it as such, the waves come and sometimes they crash hard. I know I am not alone in feeling the heaviness of the world…the weight of the fear, anger, guilt, shame, greed, division, and violence. It is overwhelming and now there is an added layer of loneliness, despair, and isolation.
A few weeks ago, I was barely able to turn my head due to stiffness, tension, and pain. Sitting up and laying down, even when my body was still, brought me to tears. Yoga teachers are not invincible to this stuff, and the collective suffering at this moment in time is immense.
Even as someone who has a consistent yoga practice, daily movement (asana), breathwork, meditation, and so forth, I am feeling it. And to get through this time staying open to deep empathy and compassion for others, while also taking care of myself, is requiring me to go deeper into my personal practice.
In a time where truth is hard to uncover, what is true for me is the powerful impact the practices of yoga have on my body, mind, and soul. And we are able to use these practices to get through the challenging time we are in….to mitigate the loneliness, despair, and isolation.
Please know that the World Peace Yoga community is here for you. We offer three classes a week that are community (free) offerings, and we will not turn anyone away that is unable to budget joining any class on our weekly schedule. And, for those that do have the means, please continue coming to classes and sharing your energy with us. Reach out anytime. Stay connected either online or in the studio. You are a being of light and a gift. Let’s continue to remind each other of the absolute beauty we are and love with all our hearts.
You are beautiful. I love you. Thank you for being here.
Anna Ferguson
Current Community Yoga Classes
Saturdays, 11:00 am: Community Yoga (free) at Burnet Woods or Trailside Nature Center
Click here to sign up on our weekly schedule.
