TL;DR Yoga Journal commissioned commentary from 5 South Asian teachers/scholars on cultural appropriation, marginalization of POC in yoga, and how to honor the roots of yoga. They hid that content in the back of the May/June 2019 magazine; YJ doesn’t seem to stand behind it. This is the letter I sent to Yoga Journal. ........................................................................................................................... … Continue reading Honoring the Roots of Yoga
How People Come To Be In Places You Might Not Expect To See Them In
Introducing a guest author on my blog — my Mum, Violet. A few years ago, I asked my Mum to write down the story of how she and my Dad met in London in 1963. She was a Scottish woman and he was an Israeli man, she was Protestant, he was Jewish. She was in … Continue reading How People Come To Be In Places You Might Not Expect To See Them In
Staying present and engaged.
At this time when political developments in the US are causing much anxiety, fear, and stress, I stay grounded by taking action, and by following teachers and public figures who encourage non-violent activism for human rights and climate justice. I recommend checking out Ethan Nichtern's 7 point plan for engaged mindfulness in 2017. The first … Continue reading Staying present and engaged.
Getting back to Number Three
From the Yoga Sutra of Patañjali, the first four verses: 1. Now, the teachings of yoga (are presented). 2. Yoga is the stilling of the changing states of the mind. 3. When that is accomplished, the seer abides in its own true nature. 4. At other times, the seer is absorbed in the changing states … Continue reading Getting back to Number Three
Forgetting & Remembering
Recently, I went to one of my favorite sacred sanctuaries in New York City: ABC Carpet & Home. For those who don't know it, ABC is a unique shop that showcases diverse and creative products for the home from all around the world. You can just walk around and drink in the beauty. Artists, poets, … Continue reading Forgetting & Remembering
Shalom Haver (Goodbye, Friend)
19 years ago, on November 4, 1995, Israel's then prime minister Yitzhak Rabin was publicly assassinated due to his peace efforts. After his death, the site of the assassination in Tel Aviv became a an instant memorial. People left flowers, made artwork and wrote comments on the walls commemorating him, giving voice to the overwhelming … Continue reading Shalom Haver (Goodbye, Friend)
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"A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge." — Thomas Carlyle
The Medicine Buddha
A few years ago, I saw a painting of the Medicine Buddha. I didn't know anything about this Buddha, but the deep blue color of his skin drew me in to the image. This deep lapis lazuli color, almost electric blue, struck me as very similar to Yves Klein Blue which has the same mesmerizing effect. … Continue reading The Medicine Buddha
The Girl with the Ten Gallon Heart
(written to my friend, Liz Roberts, March 30, 1959-Nov 10, 2012) Dear Liz, I don’t know if you remember the first time we met, but I do. It was the summer of 2007. I was a newly certified teacher. One Friday in August I took the bus to Woodstock to take class with our teachers. … Continue reading The Girl with the Ten Gallon Heart
Over the Rainbow
My beautiful friend, Liz Roberts left us last night. She will be buried next Saturday in a beautiful ecological cemetery in South Carolina, according to her wishes. Many are asking how to help and support the family. You can make a donation here to help with expenses at this difficult time. Anything helps. Thank you all for your … Continue reading Over the Rainbow
