Do the world's problems from Covid to racism to staying in shape seem all too overwhelming? Are you wondering why this question is even being raised in a yoga studio, and afraid of voicing it in a realm that you always believed should be serenely sheltered? Afraid that extremism is showing up on the yoga mat next door?
Join Pooja Virani and Annie Moyer of Sun & Moon Yoga in a series of four virtual in-depth conversations about yoga and the role it plays in our individual and collective liberation. We’ll consider the historical, social, and political backdrop of Yoga in all its forms, and examine how yoga and related wellness pursuits have been simultaneously subverted to the detriment of our collective freedom, and ignored as powerful vehicles toward peace and well-being.
Each week we will consider one of four aspects of the practice: mind, body, breath, and spirit; we will look at how the culture around yoga has shape-shifted in and out of service to true wellness; and we’ll offer insights and practices to stay grounded, strong, and open-hearted.
January 11 - Mind: Is Yoga a Pyramid Scheme? It’s a risky business, balancing the collective spirit wih the individualist, capitalist reality. We’ll get honest about teacher training programs, multi-level-marketing schemes, and the fate of your dollars and your senses at your neighborhood yoga studio.
January 18 - Body: Can You Be Fat and Fit? Deconstructing what a “yoga body” looks like, making sure All Bodies Matter, and getting honest about the performative and competitive aspects of asana practice.
January 25 - Breath: Does Yoga Divide Us? How do the systemic “isms” place a silent and invisible weight on our ability to breathe freely together as a society, and how can we be clear of conscience that our exhales aren’t inhibiting others’ inhales?
February 1- Spirit: Freedom For Whom? In this era, our individual liberation is tied to collective liberation. We’ll place yoga in the context of its faith traditions, philosophy, and practice guide for attainment of a higher self/soul/spirit that exists on behalf of the whole and not in spite of it.