Skill in Action is a body of evolving work designed to explore systems of power and oppression, the intersection of social justice and yoga, external and internalized patterns of oppression, power and privilege, and how we can respond to the current cultural and political challenges through practices of self-study, movement, pranayama, contemplation and collective action. 

Skill in Action works at the intersection of social justice and spiritual practice. Spiritual practice invites us to lean into discomfort and the truth we are experiencing at this time. We are wading through war, grief, injustice, and rights and protections being stripped away from groups who are less proximal to social and institutional power. As we lean into the truth of what is happening versus bypassing the truth, we are called to transform ourselves, relationships, institutions, and culture in order to create a just world. By engaging in spiritual practice, truly understanding the causes of suffering, and shifting our conditioned tendencies we can create a different karmic path for ourselves and into the future. 

In this workshop, we will explore what it means to build the capacity to be with what is happening without becoming overwhelmed or consumed by it and how to stay engaged in the work of creating conditions for our collective liberation. We will explore how we have been socialized to uphold systems of oppression, the kleshas (the root causes of suffering), how spiritual practice is an antidote to systems like white supremacy, what our dharma is at this time, and how to hold one another accountable as we work to create a just world. 

Some of what will be explored:

• Meditation

• Embodied practice and asana

• Creating culture: Agreements and assumptions

• Social location 

• Privilege, Power and Oppression

• The Kleshas, Samskaras and Karma 

• Spiritual Bypassing and Cultural Appropriation

This workshop will include asana, meditation, pranayama, self-study, and small and large group discussions. 

Wear comfortable clothing, have a journal and any other sacred objects nearby.