Friday, July 10, 2020

Musings of a modern Yogi


So, I have a confession... several confessions actually.


For several years I've had an internal struggle with calling myself a 'Yoga Teacher'. It has been a kind of internalised shame and guilt that I just couldn't quite put my finger on. I had some vague idea that this feeling was linked to the conditioned idea that a Yoga Teacher isn't a 'real job';  This correlation might explain feelings of embarrassment, inadequacy and insecurity although it didn't quite explain the feeling of shame and guilt. I've thought of changing my 'title' to something other than 'Yoga Teacher', but until I understood my inner resistance and resolved my inner conflict, I couldn't come up with a suitable name for the role I play. Until now, I resigned myself to moving forwards, with my inner struggles unresolved. I've felt disillusioned with the western version of yoga, but simultaneously I deeply respect the evolutionary practice and it's ancient roots. Through my direct experience of it's benefits, I hold the altruistic belief that it remains my duty to share yoga and meditation with others.


This year, 2020, has led me, like so many other people, to dive into long periods of introspection, retreat and contemplation. I've been asking some big and potent questions of myself and have been searching for answers to meaningful questions to try to make sense of the ecological, political and social mess we find the world in today. Questions like; "What is happening?, "What is my purpose?", "How can I help?, "How have I contributed to this mess?" "What can I do to contribute to the collective changes required to move forwards in a positive way?"

I've felt a growing disconnect to my work and my truth.


In late 2019 and early 2020, my home country Australia was on fire....literally. Billions of native animals, hundreds of thousands of hectares of native bushlands, farmlands, residential areas, homes and infrastructure were consumed by raging out-of-control bushfire. My fears for the future, my lack of faith in political leadership and my anger at humanity for being major contributors to this disaster, ( through negligent, mass, over-consumption of finite resources)  intensified as we witnessed this destruction. I felt helpless. I donated money. I gave goods. I signed petitions. I wrote to politicians. Still, I felt helpless and disconnected from my truth. I deeply felt collective grief and pain from the loss and destruction; and heavy shame from the role I played in this mess.


Then the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of our planet and nation, our communities, our homes. 

I fell deep into reflection again... "What will the new normal be?", "How can I help create a new earth, one that is less greedy, more connected?"... "When so many have lost so much, how can I be in my integrity with my work and my life?", "How can I live in alignment with my values, AND support others through this time of global crisis?".  



Then the Black Lives Matter movement took centre stage. My social-feeds, inbox  and podcast playlists were filled with stories, images, accounts of the ways that we have perpetuated the oppression of POC for hundreds of years. I fell silent. I didn't know how to respond. I didn't know what to contribute. I felt unable to identify my feelings.... I felt confused, lost, powerless.... I felt ashamed. I felt ashamed of my life... raised with all the privileges of white supremeists... choice, freedom, education, health-care and opportunity. "How can I contribute to the movement of radical empathy?". I asked "How can we dismantle these oppressive systems and create more inclusive systems?"

I started to feel shame for all the times I have been unkind or unhelpful, and I judged myself for being a less-than-average version of myself at times, in my past. I felt disconnected from my joy and my hope. I felt stunned, frozen. I was afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing.... I was scared that I didn't have any answers.


I have been asking myself, again and again "What can I offer to help create radical change?", " How can I use my platforms and my voice to inspire others to adopt new behaviours that support global ideals of ecological protection, radical empathy and united collective healing, growth and empowerment?".


In the crises that have erupted, thus far, in 2020.... I've begun to see patterns ... correlational patterns.


I come back to Yoga..... it does not provide all the answers... but it provides infinite scope for inquiry. 



Of course, as a teacher of yoga and meditation and as a teacher to teens, I know that I don't want to teach fear. I don't want to practice despair. I don't want to model fear and guilt and shame and inaction.



Traditionally yoga was intended to free ourselves of illusion, to see things clearly as they are, to achieve 'self-realisation' and ultimately use that to step out and help others and help humanity. One of the four paths of yoga is Karma Yoga... the call to action, the call to service and an invitation to step out and do meaningful work in the world. Interestingly, modern research on 'Happiness' and it's causes consistently reveal that helping others, contributing to others/the world and giving 'service' is one major factor that leads to true inner-fullfilment. 


Back to my initial statement, I think I've realised why I have struggled to hold the label "Yoga Teacher". In my 15 years of teaching and over 20 years of practice... I've seen a great shift in the way that yoga is represented in the media ( mainstream media and social media in particular) and potentially understood by the lay person. Sadly, it seems that yoga has become more about lycra and the label on your pants than social justice. It has shifted from the path of Karma Yoga, of contributing to something different, something better, something worthwhile to a more self-absorbed, self-obsessed, narcissistic route. Yoga seems to permit and applaud the socially acceptable 'humble-brag' culture (even overt-bragging!) which might actually be contributing to a sense of consumer-driven competitiveness and, importantly can lead the viewer to judge and bully and shame themselves for not being enough ( good enough, pretty enough, worldly enough). "Look at this amazing shot of me, in this stunning location, making this shape with my body, wearing the latest on-trend outfit, where my skin and hair are flawless!"   I really hope that we are all moving beyond the superficial yoga, and collectively shift towards being more genuinely humble yoga-warriors who are out there practicing Karma Yoga and making real changes in the real world. 


There also seems more of a focus on 'calming down'.... taming your wildness and being 'peaceful'. Peaceful? Or is it being malleable and agreeable, in disguise? Question everything. Even the traditional teachings of yoga!


I realise that my uneasiness about being represented as a Yoga Teacher was linked to my struggle with being viewed as just another privileged white girl taking pictures of herself doing a pose, set against an aesthetically pleasing background. I was uncomfortable with the juxtaposition of commodity over community.  We have made something that is sacred into a commodity.... linking a spiritual practice to protein powders, toned booties and designer yoga gear. This same attitude has led to the exploitation of the planet and certain marginalised people.... it's the same disregard for life, for the sake of profit, that has enslaved people, filled our oceans with plastic, and caused mass-ecological destruction.


So, here is why I've felt uneasy about being called a yoga teacher....

  • I don't want to be linked to the superficial, materialistic, over-commercialised, bragging, self-absorbed, McYoga movement.
  • I also don't want to teach fear and scarcity and competitiveness. 

I need to accept my role in the above, until now, and actively make efforts to change.


I believe, simplistically, that inside every one of us, there exists a peaceful yogi and a fierce warrior. Some of us relate to one more than the other, but it is our own individual quest to seek the path that creates harmony and balance between the two. 

I think this is the moment in time, when we all need to realise that inside us there resides a warrior who wants to fight -take action- and contribute towards change for the betterment of the world and ALL of its inhabitants, no matter how small an action that might be. What do you want to fight for? 


I think we can all agree that whilst there is so much beauty in the world, there is also so much pain and injustice. We do need more Karma Yoga... we need more passionate people to be out there, acknowledging their inner-warrior and being an active part in the change they want to see in the world.


2020. It's a time of opportunity.

Opportunity, disguised as disruption and disaster.

We have choice in how we move forwards. I urge you to listen to your inner warrior and harness your wild inner passions and cravings for positive change and step out into the world and take action.





Sidenote:

I do LOVE seeing beautiful pictures of beautiful bodies in beautiful poses in beautiful locations. It's awe-inspiring .... however, the beautiful, athletic, graceful postures are just one teeny part of the wholistic system of yoga.


I am well aware that there are countless numbers of  humble yogis out there who ARE living in service, who are actively walking the path of Karma yoga and are intentionally boycotting the over-commercialisation of yoga. Likewise, there are also yogis who knowingly use the filtered images of their bodies in postures to lure people into the path of karma yoga.  RESPECT to them/you!


Whatever it means to you, I humbly offer you this suggestion ...

Be bold and beautiful.... caring and courageous....step out and make great changes







Monday, November 19, 2018

Save The Date!

Sri Lanka Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda Retreat, 2019!



Sunday September 8th- Saturday September 14, 2019
6 nights, 7 days, Sri Lanka

After a fantastic trip in 2018, we're going back for more! 
This time, we've extended the retreat to allow for more space and more opportunity to soak up the benefits of rediscovery of yourself and time to do what you love. 

This 7 day retreat is an opportunity for you to grow, create internal space and discover new insights. You can expect to experience a deep sense of relaxation and renewal, clarity of mind and a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Set on the beaches of southern Sri Lanka, this beach-side retreat allows for time to rest and relax or adventure or have fun.... your choice!

Early Bird Discount Applies now!

 See Here: for more details.




Wednesday, September 19, 2018

The Radiance Sutras Three Day Retreat

with Lorin Roche and Camille Maurine

 October 11-14th  2018

Sunshine Coast 


TWO ROOMS LEFT


Delux:  was $AU1580.00  or $2400 for two people sharing.

Deluxe Price reduced to  $1300 (single occupancy or $2400 double occupancy) - email me for discount payment link info@tashyoga.com
two deluxe rooms remaining

Dorm-style: $AU1190* 2 places remaining.


MORE DETAILS HERE






Friday, September 7, 2018

Are you in need of a break?
Do you need to insert a pause into your busy life?
Do you need to create an opportunity to reset and recharge before the madness and busyness of 'the silly season' gets under way?
Are you craving down-time? An adventure?
Do you need to create some space and distance from all of your commitments and duties?

My Southern  Sri Lankan Retreat is on in less than two weeks!

Pack your bags... it's all sorted for you, food, accommodation, yoga, meditation, inspiring adventures, sensuous delights, rejuvenating Yoga and down-to-earth, practical meditation instruction.

Bring a friend/partner and take advantage of my September Offer
( see this link)














 

There are now just two rooms remaining on the Sunshine Coast Radiance Sutras Retreat with Dr Lorin Roche and Camille Maurine ; Oct 11-14, 2018 

This retreat will sell out, last year we had a wait list
contact me asap if you want to join us!
info@tashyoga.com




I've started a private  meditation group, a place to come together and share insights, tips, questions, answers, motivation and, most importantly, support one another along the journey of self-awareness and empowerment using yoga + meditation as tools.
In the group, we share real-world, practical applications of this ancient and powerful practice


If you'd like to join, click HERE








Saturday, May 19, 2018

Sri Lanka Retreat!
September 23-28
Theres's just three spaces left
July Special - take $100 USD off advertised price!
Full Details HERE





The Radiance Sutras Three Day Retreat
with Lorin Roche and Camille Maurine

October 11-14th, 
Glasshouse Mountains Sunshine Coast
Our 'Basic' rooms are all SOLD OUT.
Our 'Standard' rooms are SOLD OUT
Full details and bookings HERE (scroll down!)

Keep in touch
Subscribe HERE

Meditation Coaching

Would you like to learn a style of meditation that you love? Would you like to experience the benefits of meditation in just a few minutes a day?

Through meditation coaching sessions, together, we can create a repertoire of meditation tools and techniques that really suit you. I can coach you into developing your own healthy meditation practice... one that you LOVE.

Through a unique, multi-disciplinary and holistic approach, I work with you one-on-one or in small groups to create customised meditation tools and techniques to support you along the wondrous journey of self-discovery and self-love through the practice of Instinctive Meditation.

Ask me about my Meditation Coaching sessions.

These can be delivered face-to-face or via Skype. Typically, we need 6-12 sessions to really cultivate a healthy meditation practice for you.


info@tashyoga.com

ph. 0432991279


More info here

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Hello Yogi-peeps!

I wanted to let you know that I'll be teaching at this years Sunshine Coast Yoga Fest

Yoga Fest 2018 tickets can be purchased online HERE


I'll be teaching a movement meditation and a guided instinctive meditation practice.
Using the fluid style of Prana Vinyasa Yoga and the instinctive meditation approach of The Radiance Sutras we will explore; the tones of energy, the movement of desire, the nature of awareness and our experience of passion surging through the mind-body system.



Spaces on my Sri Lanka Retreat are filling up!



This retreat is for people who are wanting to feel more ALIVE. On this retreat, you will have plenty of time to rest, explore, relax and be pampered. There's plenty of opportunity to create interior space, so that you walk away feeling more vast and spacious, yet grounded and contained.

 On the beaches of Southern Sri Lanka, you will be guided through fluid and dynamic yoga practices; you will build your own healthy, natural, instinctive meditation practice.

You will embody practices that nourish your soul, inspire your mind and invigorate you body.

Take part in my well-loved "Values alignment" session, designed  to steer you more towards a life that is filled with passion, peace and purpose.



Saturday, January 6, 2018


Happy New Year!!

May 2018 be filled with peace, passion, pleasure and joy!

Join me on Retreat in Sri Lanka this September!



I'm so happy to announce I will be offering a 6 day retreat in Sri Lanka this year.

All the details are HERE 

My most recent e-newsletter is HERE 

Keep unto date, subscribe HERE

I bow to the light in you, Namaste.

Tash