The Shakti Shine - January 21, 2019
Shakti Love Notes
We are always growing. I love that! And the more I grow, the more I recognize how important it is for us all to share what we're going through-- even (and especially) me.
So these Love Notes are a space for me to share with you each week-- about the studio, my life, how our community is growing.
The state of being strong and active; energy // The power giving continuance of life, present in all living things // Power of enduring // The capacity to live and grow //
My word for the year is Vitality.
When I chose this intention, I thought, 'Yes. I want 2019 to be a strong & active year-- full of energy. I want to remember that I have the power to endure and also the capacity to live & grow. I want to feeling like I'm pinging off the walls with life! (This is going to be so much fun!)"
Three weeks in and I feel like I have already received a full experiential education on vitality... I'm learning a lot.
The balance of physical and mental vigor, for example, feels like an unruly seesaw most days. The definition of vitality gets lost in the blue light of a screen. And while I think of the big picture of vitality as a full, vibrant, radiant boom of light, everyday vitality looks more like a reminder to see the glistening specks and then an intentional uncovering, beam of light by beam of light.
On days when I would usually resign to 'not having enough time' to take care of myself, with vitality as my word, there is a moment of pause.
And in the past few weeks, because of Vitality, I've noticed myself making really intentional & powerful choices. Not every time, but some of the times...
I stand up, stretch, and walk away from the screen when I need a break. I stay at the studio for a fifth hour in order to practice. I go for a twenty minute jog at the end of my day because I couldn't fit into the 5:45 power flow. I lay in the sunlight doing nothing. I read before bed. I eat earlier in the evening. I eat regularly. I drink more water.
I've learned that the feeling of Vitality can be generated if I take action and lean in.
It's made me wonder, 'What if anxiety is just misplaced Vitality?' The energy feels similar, but Vitality isn't worrisome. Usually I'm anxious in moments when I'm not in action; those are moments when I'm thinking about being in action, just not right now.Is the remedy as simple as redirecting the low-vibrational energy of anxious anticipation into high-vibrational action right now this very moment?
Anxiety feels like a feeling. Sometimes I just need to reach deeper than that feeling. (Vitality feels like that-- deeper than a feeling.) And in those moments I have to trust Vitality as a Universal Truth. I am alive; therefore, I have/am Vitality.
Vitality has reminded me that just to be alive is something to celebrate.
Some synonyms:
liveliness, life, energy, spirit, high-spiritedness, vivacity, exuberance, buoyancy, bounce, vibrancy, verve, vim, pep, brio, zest, zestfulness, sparkle, spark, effervescence, dynamism, passion, fire, vigor, zeal, relish, gusto, push, drive, punch, zip, zing, fizz, oomph, pizzazz, feistiness, get-up-and-go
In the moments that feel stuck, I hope you remember Vitality as something you already are, and I hope you celebrate. Zip. Zing. Fizz.
xx
Ruby
Beyond the mat...
We love Athens.
And we love you.
So let's have more of that-- together.
Here's where you can see what we're up to outside of the studio.
Have ideas about where we should be / what we should check out / how we can show up?
Reply to this email to let us know.
recap:
ESP / Americorp @ Revival
We had a special visit from the ESP Americorp group in Revival on Wednesday. it was our pleasure to host such an impactful organization for a little mid-week zen.
Teachers as Students
Annie traveled to San Francisco to study non-violent communication at What We Say Matters with Judith Lasater, and Phelan spent the week in Charlottesville finishing her last bit of 500 hr training with Noah Maze talking a lot about Anatomy. Ask them what they learned!
Jen Sincero @ The Foundry
YOU ARE A BADASS.
^ Jen reminded us of this.
Also that we should live every day like it's our last. And also to choose our words carefully bc our words create our life. Oh, and she cleared up the difference between reacting (which is reenacting our negative habits) vs. responding (which is choosing responsibly how to move forward). whoa.
We loved seeing so many Shakti friends, like Krista Jones (pictured here!), Kim Turner, Jasna Cope, Kate VanCantfort, Nancy Gaw, Kendall Burton... Ask these ladies about their favorite part of the talk!
Yoga + Coffee
On Sunday we shared gratitude, sat still, moved, rested, drank coffee, and gave over $200 to the Get Comfortable Fund!
win. win. win.
Thank you for showing up to yoga in our community for our community.
Keep an eye out for the next date for this special event!
this week:
the Shakti SpiritMonday, January 21st - 7:15-8:30pm
Move - Listen - Support - Empower
This is a once monthly gathering to hold space to nourish personal growth in the company of other women. This time may encompass a combination of movement, ayurveda tools, inquiry, and partner sharing.
Meditate @ Means Classroom, Benson Hall C010
Wednesdays @ 3:30pm this semester
Intro to Power Yoga
w/ Maggie
Monday, January 28th - 7:15-8:15PM
This workshop is especially perfect for new yogis!
- learn the poses
- connect with your physical foundation
- discuss WHY Power Yoga
Celebrate his life, serve our communities, and continue his work...
United Group of Artists (UGA Live) and Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement non-profit 501(c)3 partner is honored to host the 3rd Annual Athens MLK Day Parade and Music Fest on Monday, January 21, 2019.
3:00 pm Athens MLK Day Parade -- An honoree ceremony will be held following the parade. Opening musical performance by Daniel Elder and Fredric Creamer
4:00 pm Music fest and Club Crawl
Washinton Street block party performances
Manhattan’s: -Athens African American Folktale. Honoring our elders and live performances: Hosted by Dr. Tawana Smith Mattox, Destined Inc. and Barbara “Lady B” Sims, “WXAG Radio 92.7
World Famous: MLK Hip Hop Stage Hosted by Jenn Weisupt Executive Director of Girls Rock Athens
Little King Shuffle: Family and Youth Activites. Hosted by Yolanda Parker-AAM End School To Prison Pipeline Program Manager.
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) has been a vital force in promoting the philosophies and goals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Athens-Clarke County community, especially advocating for civil rights, equal justice, opportunity, and economic advancement for all persons.
March 18, 6-8pm @ Shakti
the Duality Project Presents...
This 101 workshop is an opportunity to come together to have sacred and spiritual conversation about race and racism, acknowledge white privilege, prioritize POC voices and actively contribute to lasting, effective social change.
The evening includes:
curated discussion and education on anti-racism, internalized oppression and addressing whiteness/white supremacy,
brave space to share our hurts/struggles/frustration regarding race and gender,
intentional journalling + groupwork to unpack our blind spots,
transformative breathwork to release and let go, and
guided meditation to ground.
Open to all hue-mans, especially White folks wanting to learn how they can better support POCs, POCs seeking help healing internalized oppression and all those seeking spiritual tools + practices to assist in committing to anti-racism.
Have you heard?
Self-Care Starts Here.
Shakti x Cheeky Peach
February 18th, 6-8PM