There was and continues to be times when online communities are really effective (social contact during global pandemics, grassroots organizing for human rights, running a small business, etc.). One of the reasons I opt not to "scale up" my yoga services online is to foster a genuine feeling of essential human connection among participants in my workshops.
Specifically in the west, the cultural and spiritual roots of yoga have been disregarded for models in expensive yoga gear doing peak poses seeking the best version of themselves. I strive to honor the fundamental teachings and practices of yoga to build an intentional sangha (Sanskrit for community) and
establishing a purposeful community (sangha) guided by core principles such as self-reflection (svadyaya), releasing unnecessary desires and mental distractions (aparigraha), practicing authenticity (svatyaya), and promoting kindness towards oneself and others (ahimsa).
Having resided in Seattle for nearly two decades, I can attest that maintaining lasting friendships in a transient city can be quite challenging. I had anticipated that leaving my ten-year corporate job and becoming a parent to twins would make it easier, but engaging in superficial conversations within parent circles proved to be tiresome. For someone like me who craves genuine connections and spontaneous adventures, this was particularly difficult during the demanding years of advancing in my career while raising children. I found myself not only grappling with this issue but also navigating the tumultuous journey of perimenopause while my kids were still very young (a topic deserving its own blog post). Consequently, when I undertook yoga training focused on menopause, I made a conscious decision to combat my feelings of isolation by uniting people through discussions on menopause. Despite the increasing popularity of this subject, it remains plagued by stereotypes, misconceptions, and outright misogyny.
I offer workshops in Seattle and surrounding areas for women and nonbinary individuals to leave their homes (already hard enough when your sense of self is being totally upended), emerge from their sense of isolation and anxiety provoked ruminations on perimenopause and menopause to actually realize the truth of it all - that they are NOT alone, they have more in common with each other than they thought, and like everything else in life worth having are no short cuts, but there can be a beautiful reawakening in midlife. Unlike puberty or childbirth, menopause occurs in silence, without the valuable honoring and recognition it deserves. While it may not be celebrated with Hallmark cards or parties, I am determined to change that!
I am beyond humbled by what the participants in my workshops bring to the small yoga studio over a three-week period, including curiosity, openness, life experience, and above all shared humanity. Participants represented all the stages of menopause, from early perimenopause and still raising young children, to post-menopausal and facing the quiet grief of becoming an empty nester or experiencing the peak symptoms of perimenopause alongside the pain of divorce, or the unbearable task of caring for an ageing and sick parent. The knowing nods, the kind smiles, the empathetic eye contact, the giggles and eye rolls all added to our purpose of coming together.
Roisin’s workshop provided me with an incredibly comprehensive education about female health and well-being during reproductive age, perimenopause, and menopause. Roisin is a grounded and skillful yoga teacher. She guided us through many new practices that I have since enjoyed using in my home practice. From her workshop I also connected with a soulful community of other women, which has made me feel more connected and supported as I navigate this next stage in my health and wellness journey. - Mary W.
Clearly, this isn't your "normal" yoga sangha found in local yoga studios or online and clearly, this is some brave work. But it's healing, empowering and oh so necessary. I would love for you to join us. Check out my events calendar for upcoming workshops in Tacoma, Seattle and Bow Edison
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