The Power of "Common-Unity"

Spending last weekend with over 100 yoga teachers, teacher trainers, practitioners and general yoga enthusiast at Yoga Outreach’s annual weekend retreat fundraiser was truly an experience of the power of community - which was appropriately enough themed ‘Community’ – but not for the reasons I had assumed before I arrived. I love group stuff, I always find it fun, inspiring, and rejuvenating – makes sense as a community relations person. Although, coming from a Kundalini tradition I didn’t think there would be much there for me as a teacher because I practice in a ‘different’ tradition.

However, as I experienced really great workshops from Anusara to Ashtanga and many teachers from ‘different’ traditions, with their own authentic styles, personalities, and belief systems, I moved into a deeper understanding and experience of yoga for myself, and in turn will share with my students. A place I wouldn’t have got to without reaching out and being a part of this large diverse community. Mary-Jo Fetterly, founder of Trinity Yoga, described community as “common” “unity.” For us on the Westcoast we are lucky to have the opportunity to come together and learn from a diverse community but I realized the magic of unity only happens when I a) show up and b) show up as supportive, open minded and ready to receive. The excellent food, beautiful BC surroundings combined with endless sunshine didn’t hurt either!

If anyone has some photos of the weekend I would like to post a couple please send a couple along to simone@yogabc.org.

Regards,
Simone

Inside the Yoga Studio - Meet Karen!

Karen Rempel is a registered yoga teacher and Reiki master, and the director of Monkey Valley Retreat Centre, located near Merritt BC. She leads retreats at the centre, and also apprentices on vision fasts in Colorado and California. She teaches tools to help people find healing and guidance in nature, including the medicine walk, medicine wheel, four shields of (human) nature, other ecopsychology methods, and yoga and meditation, as well as guiding questers on vision fasts.

I asked Karen the ten famous 'Inside the Actor's Studio' questions, here's her answers:

1. What is your favorite word? Pomegranate.

2. What is your least favorite word? Dick.

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Running in the woods, intimate conversations, feeling connected to wild animals and the beloved.

4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Commercials, people who say "I love you all."

5. What sound or noise do you love? Birds singing.

6. What sound or noise do you hate? Weed whackers.

7. What is your favorite curse word? Jesus f%&*! christ.

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Private detective.

9. What profession would you not like to do? Nurse.

10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? You were right to tell that woman she was loud and obnoxious. It really helped her learn and grow as a person.

Click here to check-out Monkey Valley's upcoming retreats.

Thanks,

Simone