INTRODUCING OUR NEW AHIMSA LEARNING COMMUNITY STUDY GROUPS
“Yoga does not transform the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.” B.K.S. IYENGAR
As a yogi we must always be teachable. We cannot stay in one place physically or mentally we must always be transforming and renewing. We must look closely at our physical, emotional, and intellectual selves and determine where we can grow and what can we become.
We are committed to hosting Ahimsa Learning Community (“ALC”) groups around topics that are challenging and uncomfortable to strive for deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
ALC is will consist of a group of Ahimsa students who are committed to the niyama Svādhyāya. Svadhyaya is translated as “self-study.” The first part of the word—sva—means “self.” The second part—dhyaya—is derived from the verb root dhyai, which means “to contemplate, to think on, to recollect, or to call to mind.” It works to translate dhyaya as “study”—to study one’s own self. We will also be committed to Ahimsa the sanskrit word for non-violence and non-judgment. Discussions and learnings will revolve around a shared purpose of understanding and listening. Words of hate will never be tolerated in this group.
FIRST GROUP: ANTI-RACISM STUDY GROUP
Please join us on a journey of alignment and (un)/learning as we read White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo. Through our Ahimsa Learning Community, we will read chapters and discuss them virtually in the new Anti-Racism Study Group that will meet starting July 24.
We have chosen to start with the reading of White Fragility because we as a studio recognize that we are out of alignment on this topic and have some big adjustments to make. The author speaks directly to the common reasons why people do not engage in conversations around racism and avoid the topic completely. We believe that in order to dive into the uncomfortable conversation we must do some (un)/learning and confront the impact of whiteness on our own world view. We recognize that this is a book by a white author, which may feel contrary to our goals, but we believe that reading this author is a one-step to pave the way to lifelong growth and learning to become anti-racist.
Our goal is to recognize when our preconceived notions get in the way so that we can read and learn from Black authors, activists, and influencers with a new capacity for understanding. We believe this (un)/learning will set the stage for us to follow up with learnings from a wide range of Black authors. Be aware that conversations will be difficult, we will challenge current thought patterns, explore our discomfort, and learn to address racism head-on.
We will complete the study with an action plan for what to do next and provide resources for additional learning.
There is no fee to join this group, instead we ask that each Ahimsa Learning Community group selects an organization that fights for justice and racial equality to which to send a collective donation.
To see schedule and to sign up, visit: https://www.ahimsayogastudios.com/events
