November Yoga News in Paris
Challenge inspires community so shut off the news and gather.
I was going to write about Breath of Fire, the new HBO documentary tracing the rise of Kundalini Yoga’s Guru Jagat but after Tuesday’s US election results, I don’t much feel like talking about cults of personality.
Instead, I will accentuate the ways in which we can rise above division by using yoga practices to find a sense of community and calm, to ‘Keep Kamala and Carry Onala.’
In my Meditation group chat yesterday, my teacher reminded us that the Vedic view is that knowledge eliminates fear. Not just any knowledge, but Knowledge with a capital K: the Knowledge of the patterns of consciousness1. This kind of Knowledge is very expansive and naturally blows open our viewpoint putting everything in perspective. She also shared the following metaphor which I found comforting. Maybe it will be of help to you?
“A river is always flowing to the ocean even if it turns away from the ocean for a short while. So in those moments when we feel the river of life turning away, we can lean into that underlying knowledge that it’s still heading where it needs to go.”
Or as my friend TA says, “Remember: the Dark Ages produced the Renaissance.”
NOVEMBER TO-DO LIST: TREAT YO SELF
There are just two remaining Guerilla Yoga dates with Marc Holzman on the calendar this year: November 9th and 16th in the Thurber Room at the American Church in Paris. This is our FAVORITE YOGA CLASS IN PARIS for its perfect blend of asana, philosophy and Yoga Nidra meditation.
How about a one-day Autumn Glow Retreat specifically designed for women that’s a mere 45 minutes from Paris? Emily Buchanan and Tess Pattison invite you to slow down, and learn new ways to nourish yourself through the autumn and life stages ahead. November 23rd, 2024.
FODYiP (Friend of Do Yoga in Paris) Anya Porter Yazawa has opened a small space in Zürich dedicated to intelligent and insightful yoga. Studio San emphasizes gentle and therapeutic approaches and a profound exploration of your individual physiology.
Thanks to the Paris Sportives initiative, the city has put into place FREE outdoor fitness classes for women, young and old. Search by arrondissement, or find an activity with this handy list (yoga is offered in the 13th and 14th arrondissements, by the way.)
Art Basel came to Paris and all we got was a little yoga in a palace. Tales & Tellers was sponsored by Miu Miu and featured panel talks, video and performance art.
If the word ‘consciousness’ is too abstract or doesn’t make sense to you, substitute ‘nature.’ Works for me 😊