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Here we sit, the threshold of the new year. It is only tomorrow, an arbitrary Friday, another day, yet it represents something greater — hope, newness, perseverance, renewal.

As I sit in final reflection of 2020, I look backward at the incredible sadness and grieving this year brought for so many. Lives lost, jobs lost, security lost, spaces lost, communities lost, rituals lost — so much loss. The structures of our society shaken, the foundation of our security may never be quite the same. 

I have grieved, adapted, persevered, cried, shouted, cursed, accepted, resisted, given up, started again, evaluated, hoped, dreamed and stayed put when I wanted nothing more than to fly away from my life. Indeed, though, there is no where to go and nothing to do. I have done the very best that I can.

I have surrendered the things I cannot control, tried to control them, and surrendered once again. Read More »

 
DONATE HERE Without a doubt, the current pandemic has rocked the world in ways most of us could never have imagined. Life as we knew it has come to a halt and the residue of this has impacted so many lives. I have been saddened by the loss of many lives and the economic, mental and emotional suffering experienced by so many.

The yoga community as a whole has been significantly impacted, with studios across the world closing. At this time of the year our studio would typically be buzzing with many classes and events each week, the walls holding the laughter of children and the chant of Aum. But this is not a typical year and I am working each day to let go of grasping on to what has been. I am grateful that we can continue to hold space together through our virtual studio and for the dedication of our teachers that has made this transition possible.

I want to assure you we are not in immediate danger while being clear that the crisis has significantly impacted the studio financially. I am grateful for a small PPP loan and several generous donations that have carried us through for the last months. Now it is time to directly turn to our students for support through both attendance and donations. Your support is vital to our future.

Our mission has always been to hold safe and sacred space so the practices of yoga can be experienced by all. As the impact of COVID-19 is felt in our community, we continue to endeavor to meet this mission in the most sustainable, ethical way possible. Though the format is different, our virtual offerings continue to bring students to a space of inner quiet and deeper awareness as we hold space together.

alleyCat has a long history as a transformative community and we have adapted through change and difficulty before. It is my wish that we will weather this storm and when it ends our physical doors will open once again. Please donate what you can so that we remain a thriving community, dedicated in holding sacred space together.

~Jai, Susan 

Meditation is the royal road to the attainment of freedom, a mysterious ladder that reaches from earth to heaven, darkness to light, mortality to immortality. ~Swami Sivananda, on Raja Yoga

When defining yoga, I prefer a simpler interpretation of verse 1.2,  “Yoga is the space between the thoughts.” This is brilliant! When we are enslaved to the habitual patterns of the mind, we will undoubtedly be tossed about, identified with our story. The practices of yoga provide the tools with which we can step out of the reaction to our thoughts and into a space of clarity and freedom. 

“We have unlearned the patience and attention of lingering at the thresholds where the unknown awaits us. ~ John O’Donahue

This quote spoke to me and I posted it on a bulletin board next to my desk last fall. As a human who likes to walk the line of safety and adventure, tethered equally to both, this quote felt true and wise. Lingering over a cup of coffee and a beautiful sunset I could do; loitering at the hearth of the unknown–that was something I felt inspired to work on.

And now, here we are, not just Lingering at the Threshold, camped at the Doorway of a Yawning Chasm. Rather than patience, I would be happy to cultivate something three shades to the left of panic, terror and constant worry.

Clearly the Universe misunderstood my intentions by posting the quote next to my desk. I wanted to call up a deeper ability to let go of things–like my IPhone, my plans, my inner dialogue. I wanted to pause in the great mystery of stillness, basking in a sweaty glow, mesmerized and fully present without heed to uncertainty. I desired to return to the simplicity of idle conversation and untie the strings of technology.  And now, as community, sacred spaces and daily rituals dissolve into thin air, I stand aghast. I didn’t ask for this kind of Lingering or this Unknown. Sometimes when I look at the quote I feel angry, a true deep down fury. Read More »