Sangha is a Sanskrit word which loosely translates as association, assembly, company or community - a group of kindred spirits with common goals, vision or purpose.

Last e-news I wishfully reflected on the possibility of a gentler, softer 2011 as predicted by the Chinese astrology - Year of the Rabbit/Cat. Hmm – wrong! It is so far not unfolding that way and we seem to be experiencing first hand the touch of the ancient Chinese curse, “may you live in interesting times”.

On this shrunken globe,
we can no longer live as strangers.
~Adlai E. Stevenson

In our hardwired modern life, it is virtually impossible to ignore what is happening elsewhere on the planet. More and more we move and live as one global community; what affects our global neighbours, ultimately affects all of us.

So just how do we keep calm in the midst of chaos? Do we turn off, hide under the doona and hope it will all go away? Can we keep our hearts and eyes wide open without becoming battle weary and compassion fatigued?

Yoga encourages us to embrace each precious, living moment. It teaches us to feel everything. Sometimes this is challenging and overwhelming.

I strongly believe in the saying, “think globally, act locally”. Making choices about our thoughts and deeds in our small communities, and having faith that the changes we make at home affects the bigger picture.

I have noticed that recently in my neighbourhood 2 brand new churches have been built. Not being a church goer it got me thinking about why people attend church. Aa well as being about God, it is a lot about community. Belonging, finding your tribe and being accepted wholeheartedly. Sharing faith in something that is bigger than the individual.

Coming together in community keeps us connected and gives us strength and resources to face a crisis. A problem shared is a problem solved. It encourages us to be generous and compassionate. It reminds us that we really are not that different to our neighbours and that we are not alone.

In our hectic urban lives, we are often disconnected from our local community. We live in one place, work in another place, shop in another place, etc... Often with much distance traversed daily and far away from the support of our extended families.

Coming along to regular yoga classes provides us with a rich experience of community. The studio is our sanctuary where we can let go of control and be supported by the teacher and by our fellow class members. Together we step onto the mat and ask ourselves to grow in a gentle and compassionate way. Together we witness each other’s unique, unfolding journey.

Ultimately through yoga we learn to embrace our true natures. Our full, warts and all selves. Not a pre-conceived version of who we think we should be, but who we actually are. This in turn empowers us to extend a generous and loving hand to all others around us.

And the last word goes to the Dalai Lama:

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world,
until we make peace with ourselves”