The Yogabliss, Two Rivers/RiverTree Yoga on-line Moving into Meditation classes met this morning. We explored time and space, movement and stillness. We became aware of how we related to sensory, emotional and mental experience. We created an inner environment in which we could watch experience change. Embodied awareness, conscious breathing and slow movement helped us to open our minds and hearts.
Our practice was inspired by Rhonda Magee,a law professor, meditation instructor and racial justice advocate. She is author of The Inner Work of Racial Justice. Stopping and knowing we are stopping; Taking a conscious breath; Observing and staying Present (STOP) are tools Rhonda uses to facilitate trauma-sensitive, restorative mindfulness.
We heard John Fox’s poem, When Someone Deeply Listens to You, from his collection: Finding What You Didn’t Lose. John is founder and Practitioner of Poetic Medicine. “The Institute for Poetic Medicine offers tools and support to heal body, mind and spirit through the creative and therapeutic process of hearing, speaking and writing poetry.”
We drew from the book, The Five Invitations, written by hospice carer, teacher and author Frank Ostaseski. Frank believes that being with our fears is a transformational experience that can be a “doorway to compassion.”
Finally we heard poet Pat Schneider’s poem, Instructions for the Journey, from her collection, Olive Street Transfer. Pat was a beloved and passionate teacher of writing. Discover more about her in A Profile of Pat Schneider.
