What do you do when you're unsure of what to do? Problems as big as racism, hatred, and violence can be so overwhelming they leave us paralyzed, wondering where to begin, and what to do. But it's not enough to be uncertain when racism costs lives and we begin by speaking up: Black Lives Matter.
And then our yoga practice calls us to action. This is not the twisty, upside-down asana practice that we often think of, but the harder, off-the-mat practice. This is the practice that includes the uncomfortable work of svadhyaya or self-inquiry, the practice that provides moral guideposts for how to interact with others and the world, the practice that requires consistent and steady effort.
This is a practice. In her wonderful book, Skill in Action Michelle C. Johnson writes that "the individuals and the collective have to be willing to make mistakes and learn from them along the way. This is messy work, be willing to make a mess." And I am. Ultimately, I am responsible for setting the priorities at Past Tense. I am making this a priority. And I am willing to make mistakes along the way because I am committed to doing better, doing more, and to living my practice.
We, as a team, are actively talking about what we can do and you will hear more from us on this. To start with, we are kicking off a monthly donation-based yoga class this Saturday at 3:00. All money raised for this month's class will be matched by the studio and donated to the DC chapter of Black Lives Matter.
I invite you to share in this part of our yoga practice and I welcome your ideas, thoughts, and feedback.
Stay well,
Kelly
Upcoming Specials
Donation-Based Flow 1/2 for Black Lives Matter
June 6 | 3:00-4:00 PM
Join Sonja Kubota Johansson for the first of our new monthly, donation-based yoga classes. All money raised for this month's class will be matched by the studio and donated to the DC chapter of Black Lives Matter.
Beginner Pilates
June 7 | 3:00-4:15 PM
Interested in learning what Pilates is all about? Join Liz Bernstein for a mat Pilates practice highlighting the important points of each exercise and how to modify for any body.
YogaArt
June 8, 15, 22, and 29 | 10:00-11:00 AM
In this series, kids 5 and up have the opportunity to express themselves through movement and art. Join Dayna Heater for a class that includes breathing, yoga poses, games and mindful activities. Then, in collaboration with All Fired Up, kids will paint a piece of pottery related to that week’s theme
Roll and Restore
June 13 | 3:00-4:30 PM
Join Ellie Conrad for Self-Massage and Restorative Yoga. We'll use tennis balls for myofascial release then move into restorative poses that allow the massage to integrate deeply into the body.
Partner Yoga
June 14 | 3:00-4:30 PM
Grab a friend, roommate or family member and join Jenna Grubman for an invigorating Flow practice where you’ll work with a partner in fun and creative ways to build strength and stretch the body. Then, relax with Emma Silverman and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation with partner massage and meditation.
Summer Solstice Workshop
June 20 | 3:00-4:30 PM
SIn this workshop with Nichole Ferrigno explore movement that is playful yet cooling as an antidote to summer's extreme heat. We'll play with movement, explore cooling breath work, and talk seasonal self-care tips for maintaining optimal well being.
Practicing Mindfulness in Times of Uncertainty
June 27 | 3:00-4:30 PM
In times of uncertainty and change, we can draw on mindfulness practices to help us move beyond constricting habitual patterns such as fear, denial and despair and to awaken our inner capacities for compassion, wisdom and joy. Suitable for both new and experienced meditators, this program with Sharon Salzberg will consist of guided meditation, discussion, and questions and answers.
Twists and Backbends
June 28 | 3:00-4:30 PM
Twists require an active core, strong grounding, and a balance of effort and ease. Backbends teach us to open and soften our front body as we strengthen our back. Join Rachel Morrison for a workshop that puts them together for sensations of cleansing, strength, and release.
