We're bearing witness to history writing itself. All of this change, all of this turmoil, all of this turbulence and chaos. History is writing itself and we will look back on these days, weeks and months and remember where we were, how we felt, who we were with and how we responded.
I'm pulled into reaction as much as anyone, maybe even more. I've always presented as a "high reactive", and much of what is occurring now is forcing me to revisit old wounds, old emotions, old battles. And one of the only things that is keeping me sane on the days when anger or fear or impatience surges are the words of MLK Jr.,
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - MLK, Jr.
Light. Love. Sometimes unbearably hard to muster up in the face of global and human rights' crises. But that's my work and that's my intention and that’s what this workshop is going to be. We will begin by setting an intention, every one of us, on an individual basis. If we want to move towards a desired state, we must be able to identify that state. And move towards it we will. Through chatting about what this experience of isolation, fear and uncertainty is, and has been. Through gentle asana that will give us a better understanding of where our bodies store what locks us down and keeps us feeling powerless. Through guided, analytical meditation and mindfulness meditation, both designed to leave us feeling and thinking better and clearer. So that we can find peace within. So that we can approach changing times through the lens of peace. So we can continue to be beacons of light and love.
Here's to being beacons of light and love in tumultuous waters. Here's to justice, to freedom, to unity and to understanding, finally, that what happens to one of us happens to all of us. It starts with us. See you on Sunday, June 14 :)
Bram Levinson is an author (www.theexaminedlifebook.com, www.ayearinthelight.com), podcaster (The Examined Life with Bram Levinson), yoga & meditation teacher, blogger and mentor. Based in Montreal, he offers alternative approaches to physical, mental and emotional well-being, promoting healing and spiritual understanding of who we are, why we are here and what this life journey is really all about through group and private classes as well as mentoring sessions, workshops and yoga vacations. He has been on the faculties of multiple conferences, festivals and teacher trainings, and travels throughout the year to bring his teachings to students and teachers around the world.