It was interesting considering Saucha and what came to mind initially when I thought of purity as compared to clarity. I think it’s interesting because once Jen mentioned the word clarity it really did shift how I saw Saucha and even how I thought of the idea of purity in this sense. I think purity just has such a specific connotation in our society and particularly in the Christian church that I instinctually jump to that. Clarity however is something I am always seeking and not something I am always very good at. For me, it can be such a challenge to have clarity of thought and emotion and it has been something I have worked with over the last several years while working to find my own voice. In that work, it has required me to really be more clear with what I want, what I am doing, etc. etc.
As for my creative project, I have been thinking a lot about what would be fun for me. I am working with the idea of creating something that could be shared/used for possibly like sex workers or those who are facing housing instability. I have a long term project with an organization run by sex workers and will be visiting again for some education soon. They often speak of how both the staff and the clients are just so burned out right now and struggling, so I am still trying to discover what it might look like, but I’d like to share something with this community that I have been working with for many years.
I loved the final reflections, thank you for sharing. I love a restful practice. I teach a restorative yin class on Friday evenings and it is such a great way for people to end their week.
I’m really excited about the final project, and I truly appreciate you sharing examples of past students’ creations. I love how you encourage us to choose the format that feels most meaningful and authentic to us, whether that’s a poem, artwork, collage, or something else unique. I especially loved the mantra-based practice and learning how sacred sounds can elevate consciousness and help regulate the nervous system. The creativity and thoughtfulness behind everyone’s projects were incredibly inspiring and gave me so many ideas for how I’d like to approach my own final project at the end of the cohort.
I’m also very grateful for the flexibility of this YTT program and appreciate being able to join live whenever I have the opportunity. Thank you for this beautiful space!
This was perfect timing to talk about the final reflection. Brandie is literally exactly what I was being at the halfway mark last week.
Julia's writing and her harmonious chant made me cry. I also loved Alejandra H. not only wrote a love letter but also recorded it. Carol Anne P.'s "PYP Final Project Playlist" was super cool, as well as Emma Y.'s live presentation, especially what she says about how "PYP teaches you how to better care for yourself." Rachael M's original art was really beautiful to see and reaffirmed I'm thinking of using original art for my final reflection too.
What was actually so weird is I'm planning on a three-part series that I had just drawn out on my paper, when I looked up and saw the exact same image in Meg B.'s art work of a woman free and raising her hands. I had literally just sketched out as the last image on my three small canvases!
I resonated with the social justice saucha slide. The main thing I learned from DEI training was it's not a new concept, it's civil rights history and human rights law. And I also appreciated the discussion about the history and laws we decide to fight for and leave behind, like how Black women got the right to vote 45 years after white woman.
I appreciated the guided meditation being less flowery about soft white beaches or tranquil fairy forests, and more silence and personal contemplation, but also if needed to be able to talk through what was happening in a body scan. I have definitely got emotional during yoga, so being able to speak comfortably about what's happening with participant's emotions, maybe having tissues, etc. will be key.
Maggie's point about "fetal position" and Jen reminding us of guiding with "laying on your side, draw your knees up, make a pillow in your arm" instead was helpful; similar to resting pose vs. child's pose and bugs pose vs. happy baby.
I will be observing my personal movements this week!
Thanks Jen and PYP 🧡