Waging Peace at the June Collection

Please enjoy this poetic re-cap of the June Gathering by AYC Member, Tess Wilson. Tess recently completed her yoga teacher training with Bill Cottrell at one of Athens' newest yoga studios, Yogaful Day. She is also a massage therapist, offering massage at Urban Sanctuary and for female clients, out of her home studio.

The June gathering of the Athens Yoga Collective nestled itself in a pocket of sunshine on an otherwise stormy summer afternoon. It was as if the heavens paused to absorb the message of ahimsa (non-violence) being delivered in various forms inside the beautifully renovated New Earth Music Hall. Claire Coenen set the tone for the gathering by sharing her perspective on the first yama (yoga's ethical restraints). With this theme of non-harming in mind, the group of about 12 began our asana practice, led by the undeniably talented RYT Nicole Ponzer. The creative practice was characterized by a simultaneous sense of effort and ease (sthira sukham). It exemplified ahimsa by providing ample opportunity for modifications. With open hearts and linked hands, Katelyn Ten Eyck encouraged us to access a connection to our own deep heart centers, and each other's. The meeting culminated in the enjoyment of stellar vegetarian fare, potluck style. Some days, such as this, nature practices ahimsa by pummeling the earth with life-sustaining rain, despite the wishes of she who had hoped to feel the sun kiss her face. So we went out into the world to practice our duty of ahimsa in the face of avidya, inspired and emboldened by the support of this incredible group of yogis. Namaste.