A story recently came out about Mark Whitwell, another male abuser in the yoga world. I hadn’t heard about him until this week, but that doesn’t matter. This is hitting me harder than the others. My chest is tight, my breath is shallow. —
Maybe because it isn’t a story from decades ago. She’s the same age as me, becoming a teacher at the same time. Maybe it’s because I work everyday with survivors all of who are strong and exhausted, literally fighting for their lives. Maybe because I see a slight reflection of power dynamics and spiritual bypassing and trying to explain it all away in some of my own relationships during those formative years. And the complacency of so many that justify the behavior and therefore allow it to continue. I’m angry. —
Again and again these stories are a call to action, whoever you are, however you define yourself: claim your power. If you are seeking truth of any kind it is because you inherently recognize it is already within you. Trust yourself. No one person has the answers and if they claim to get the hell away. We cannot be silent. If it is happening to one of us, it is happening to all of us.
I’ve been finding @instagram exhausting, so I haven’t been posting lately. The more I work to understand racism and cultural appropriation, plus working in the hospital, the less interested and comfortable I am with “selling” yoga where taking care of yourself is deemed as either punishment, reward, or escapism. Then hello holidays with all the #hot deals. Are you tired of reading this yet?
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All of this is, of course, to say that my weekly class is continuing on during the holidays and into the new year. Come, exactly as you are. I’ll hold the space for you. ...
The class is valued at $25, but it’s always pay what you can. Every Monday @be_well_austin, 9:30-10:30am. Free parking in the back. Studio is upstairs. .
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#yoga #yogatherapy #mentalhealthawareness #yogaformentalhealth #yogafordepression #yogaforanxiety #traumainformedyoga #yogaforbeginners #yogaforchronicpain #austinyoga #atxyoga #austinyogacommunity #austinyogateacher
Every once in awhile as a yoga teacher, especially working for yourself or a small studio, no students show for class (if you know, you know). This happened today and it was interesting to notice all the thoughts that went through my head: a mix of self-blame, imposter syndrome, ego boosting, and my favorite, no joke, “maybe it’s bc I didn’t shave my legs” 😅 After a few minutes, I noticed what was happening, laughed at myself, and rolled out a mat and took my own damn class. 🌈🌈🌈
That moment of noticing my thoughts was the real yoga that happened today. I had a choice to stay with those thoughts that mostly weren’t true and were definitely harmful or use the time to take care of myself, shift my mood, and remember that my inherent goodness is not dictated by factors outside of my control.
