One of my dearest and longest friends, who proudly wore butterfly clips together, sent me an article that I can not stop referencing. The article written by Marina Lopes talks about what it feels like to be a caretaker right now and how we can use our stubborn hope for the future to motivate us toward action. It is encouraging and a refocus that I dearly appreciate. Additionally this piece gave me inspiration for the new moon theme. Yes, I know the new moon was on the 25th. I was stuck on a tarmac writing this email in my head.
When asked about the culture or vibe of Yess Yoga, I often say “it is a group of people who truly care (maybe I say ‘give a damn’ to certain crowds).” But it is true. We all have different lives, roles, and dreams for the future. But one link that is palatable at Yess, is the space is full of caregivers. People who care for their community, loved ones, the planet, and also themselves. Since we care, it can be a life woven with joy/love and grief/worry. In comes this article for inspiration.
Lopes shares her belief that all people who care for others, not just parents, move away from an individual approach to a collective one. In other words, caring for others supports a yogic lifestyle. It helps us feel deeply connected to the larger picture of humanity and this world. She directly states “Caregiving rewires our brains to connect more, care more and notice the needs of others.” This kind of person is prominent at Yess and deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated. Thank you for all you bring and share daily to make our world better.
Along with how caregiving changes us, she mentions that those who tend to other’s needs are ripe to be involved in the decision making scene. And there is one line that keeps ringing in my ears, “Raising children doesn’t distract from that work; it clarifies it.” I fully agree, caring for others clarifies why I stay involved and engaged. And I would bet it’s why you do too. I would imagine that because you listen to other people’s experiences you can expand your vision for the world. Since you actively live alongside community members who are different from you, you can see another future than the one we are currently living in.
The work I want to do this month, and I invite you to join along, is to notice when you care. Notice when you are caregiving. Notice when you give a damn. Let that clarification support your dreams for the future through visions, conversations, and actions.
When you come to Yess, you are surrounded by others who truly care and are working in their own capacity to clarify how it gets transmuted in the world. May clarity support your hope for tomorrow.
*Let me know if you read the whole article, l would love to talk to you about it!