Wow..what a week this has been.. Teacher training has been amazing.. 80 of us learning how to teach kids yoga. Everyone is working so hard and learning so much. Yesterday we brought a class to an orphanage in an informal settlement. Not all these kids (middle school age) get the opportunity to go to school. It's hard to put in words the feelings I experienced. The lesson that continues to present for me is that regardless of their living conditions, these kids are filled with love, hope, faith and joy.
Lets talk about how they live... Bathrooms are holes in the ground and the chickens roam freely. Dirt floors and thatched roofs. They have one "auntie" who cares for 20 kids..boys and girls. Irene, the most beautiful soul I have ever met brings yoga, joy and play every week. There is so much for us to learn about simplicity from the people of Nairobi.
Rich arrives on Saturday night. I'm very excited to see him. I think he'll be shocked by our accommodations...shhhhh..don't tell him.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Monday Morning
Bone weary tired...these 14 hour days are wearing me out. I guess I'll rest when I'm old. <g>
Yesterday's training brought so much joy to my heart. I felt childlike again. I played and thought like a 7 year old. For those of you close to me you know how challenging that was. I sang and danced and walked around the room on all fours like a zebra.
Today we are going to a woman's prison to bring yoga to the children of the inmates who live there. I'm excited as well as saddened by this. Excited to be of service there but wow...children living in prison?? No pictures. They arent allowed. In Kenya you can't take pictures of the police, military or government buildings. No pictures of the prisoners either.
This trip has been transformational. I can't wait to come back next year.
Yesterday's training brought so much joy to my heart. I felt childlike again. I played and thought like a 7 year old. For those of you close to me you know how challenging that was. I sang and danced and walked around the room on all fours like a zebra.
Today we are going to a woman's prison to bring yoga to the children of the inmates who live there. I'm excited as well as saddened by this. Excited to be of service there but wow...children living in prison?? No pictures. They arent allowed. In Kenya you can't take pictures of the police, military or government buildings. No pictures of the prisoners either.
This trip has been transformational. I can't wait to come back next year.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Friday Night...
We awoke early on Thursday for the long journey (6 1/2 hours) to Ambroseli National Park. We stopped along the way to meet Faith, a AYP teacher, and her family. We actually crossed into Tanzania on Masai land where there is no borders. Jacob, another AYP and a Masai led us. Faith's family was lovely and graciously welcomed us into their home. We had the opportunity to buy beautifully beaded jewelry that Faith makes. Beading and selling the beads to visitors is a huge economic boom for these families.
After meeting with Faith we re boarded the safari vans for Serena Lodge. What an amazing place. Big shutout to Angie Wilkens and her amazing planning! After a late lunch we headed out for a game drive. Elephants and lions and Giraffes oh my! Paige Elenson, the founder of AYP led us through a gorgeous Yoga practice. It was early to bed as we had a sunrise game drive this morning. After a delicious breakfast we headed out to another Masai village. This was a much bigger village.
We were greeted by men and women from the village singing and dancing to welcome us. We had the opportunity to meet the village " medicine man" and learn how they treat illness and disease with local roots and trees. They showed us how they start fires with two sticks and dried elephant dung. Afterwards, we went to the school to meet the children. They welcomed us with song. Jodi, Katy and Nicole led a beautiful kids yoga practice. We sang and danced. Afterwards we had the opportunity to buy more beaded jewelry. The Masai people are unbelievably trusting and generous. I wish I could have spent more time with them. I feel like I want to come back and spend more time with them! I am so grateful to Jacob for teaching us about his people and customs.
After a quick lunch it was back in the vans for the trek home. We had a great team meeting and Ron gave me a chiropractic adjustment. The team is a very interesting mix of people. There are 22 of us. I'm finding myself challenged by a couple. I'm focusing on my purpose for being here and refuse to get caught up in their stories.
Tomorrow is another full day. We have a community yoga practice from 10am-12pm at the AYP Shine Center followed by lunch. R&R the rest of the day as Next Generation Yoga teacher training starts Sunday morning.
What an amazing adventure this continues to be! Check out pictures on Facebook!
After meeting with Faith we re boarded the safari vans for Serena Lodge. What an amazing place. Big shutout to Angie Wilkens and her amazing planning! After a late lunch we headed out for a game drive. Elephants and lions and Giraffes oh my! Paige Elenson, the founder of AYP led us through a gorgeous Yoga practice. It was early to bed as we had a sunrise game drive this morning. After a delicious breakfast we headed out to another Masai village. This was a much bigger village.
We were greeted by men and women from the village singing and dancing to welcome us. We had the opportunity to meet the village " medicine man" and learn how they treat illness and disease with local roots and trees. They showed us how they start fires with two sticks and dried elephant dung. Afterwards, we went to the school to meet the children. They welcomed us with song. Jodi, Katy and Nicole led a beautiful kids yoga practice. We sang and danced. Afterwards we had the opportunity to buy more beaded jewelry. The Masai people are unbelievably trusting and generous. I wish I could have spent more time with them. I feel like I want to come back and spend more time with them! I am so grateful to Jacob for teaching us about his people and customs.
After a quick lunch it was back in the vans for the trek home. We had a great team meeting and Ron gave me a chiropractic adjustment. The team is a very interesting mix of people. There are 22 of us. I'm finding myself challenged by a couple. I'm focusing on my purpose for being here and refuse to get caught up in their stories.
Tomorrow is another full day. We have a community yoga practice from 10am-12pm at the AYP Shine Center followed by lunch. R&R the rest of the day as Next Generation Yoga teacher training starts Sunday morning.
What an amazing adventure this continues to be! Check out pictures on Facebook!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Wednesday Night
It's very hard for me to describe the last two days. As Americans we all too often focus on externals to find happiness, even when we know it cannot be derived that way. Here, in the slums of Nairobi, I have seen first hand what joy truly looks like. The love and joy in the eyes of these children has been astounding. The love shown to me by them has humbled me and has taught me a powerful lesson. All they wanted was hugs and connection. As one of my teammates said tonight, given the opportunity to leave the slums, these children would stay because they have all they need right there. They are surrounded by so much love. And, isn't that really all we need to be happy, to be loved and understood?
We have spent the last two afternoons being of service to the Mercy School. Today I painted a classroom and helped to build desks. I felt very useful.
At tonight's team meeting we discussed why we choose to be of service. I found myself sitting and listening but not really agreeing with much being talked about. I felt frustrated. I wanted to shout my protest. But, I sat silent. I felt that they were saying that my motivation for service was not "as good" as theirs. Of course there is a lesson for me here and I anxiously await it making it presence known to me. I'm feeling a bit disconnected as a result.
I am of service because I can help others, not for my gain, but to give others opportunity to create the lives of their dreams, just as those opportunities have been given to me. Sure, my spirit is nourished in the process but it a biproduct of my service and not the motivation for it. I am of service because i can be. I am of service because I want to be, even when it's not easy or convenient. Sometimes my service is about connection but most often it's because I have resources others do not. Without those resources connections cannot be made. (I had to raise funds to get here - nobody said, "all we need is for you to come here and connect with us). There is nothing wrong with being helpful to others as long as you are fulfilling their need and not imposing your will on them. Maybe I misunderstood the message tonight. I'm tired.
Tomorrow we venture outside of Nairobi to Ambroseli. We will visit two Masai villages over the next two days and learn about their culture. Jodi will lead kids yoga. We will have some much needed R&R..these 14 hour days are tough.
We have spent the last two afternoons being of service to the Mercy School. Today I painted a classroom and helped to build desks. I felt very useful.
At tonight's team meeting we discussed why we choose to be of service. I found myself sitting and listening but not really agreeing with much being talked about. I felt frustrated. I wanted to shout my protest. But, I sat silent. I felt that they were saying that my motivation for service was not "as good" as theirs. Of course there is a lesson for me here and I anxiously await it making it presence known to me. I'm feeling a bit disconnected as a result.
I am of service because I can help others, not for my gain, but to give others opportunity to create the lives of their dreams, just as those opportunities have been given to me. Sure, my spirit is nourished in the process but it a biproduct of my service and not the motivation for it. I am of service because i can be. I am of service because I want to be, even when it's not easy or convenient. Sometimes my service is about connection but most often it's because I have resources others do not. Without those resources connections cannot be made. (I had to raise funds to get here - nobody said, "all we need is for you to come here and connect with us). There is nothing wrong with being helpful to others as long as you are fulfilling their need and not imposing your will on them. Maybe I misunderstood the message tonight. I'm tired.
Tomorrow we venture outside of Nairobi to Ambroseli. We will visit two Masai villages over the next two days and learn about their culture. Jodi will lead kids yoga. We will have some much needed R&R..these 14 hour days are tough.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Monday
WOW!! What a day it was. James picked Jodi and I up from the Sankara Hotel and brought us to the Shine Center..headquarters for AYP. Immediately we were met by so many we knew from Facebook. It felt like we were greeting old friends. The construction of the space is one and it looks great.
Next, I taught a chair yoga class to almost 40 teachers. It was well received with some great questions. Chakra toning was amazing with all of us chanting. It really raised the vibration. You could feel it!! I am so grateful for the AYP teachers willingness to learn something new and to be the one to share chair yoga with them.
The BEST part of my day was meeting Rufus and Faith, my mentee and our sign interpreter. After my class the three of us went to lunch and got to know each other better.
After lunch James took me to Gracia Gardens to check in. I was prepared for it to be more sparse than it is. That said, I walked into the bathroom and couldn't figure out where the shower was. (See picture on Facebook). Thankfully I figured it out.
I unpacked and went to yoga. Power yoga is not a practice I've done before and it's proving very challenging. I'm going very slowly. I feel confident with two weeks to practice I'll grow to love it. Dinner and bed came after. It's the hardest bed I've ever slept on but I had a very restful night.
Looking forward to Tuesday when we get to do a community outreach class.
Next, I taught a chair yoga class to almost 40 teachers. It was well received with some great questions. Chakra toning was amazing with all of us chanting. It really raised the vibration. You could feel it!! I am so grateful for the AYP teachers willingness to learn something new and to be the one to share chair yoga with them.
The BEST part of my day was meeting Rufus and Faith, my mentee and our sign interpreter. After my class the three of us went to lunch and got to know each other better.
After lunch James took me to Gracia Gardens to check in. I was prepared for it to be more sparse than it is. That said, I walked into the bathroom and couldn't figure out where the shower was. (See picture on Facebook). Thankfully I figured it out.
I unpacked and went to yoga. Power yoga is not a practice I've done before and it's proving very challenging. I'm going very slowly. I feel confident with two weeks to practice I'll grow to love it. Dinner and bed came after. It's the hardest bed I've ever slept on but I had a very restful night.
Looking forward to Tuesday when we get to do a community outreach class.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Sunday
Arrived in Nairobi late last night. We were met at the airport by AYP teachers Irene, Catherine and Angie. By the time we got to our hotel it was midnight. We quickly went to bed. Today jodi and i ventured out and shopped at the Masai market, toured downtown Nairobi and introduced James, our driver, to Ethiopian food and had massages. I will figure out how to post pictures here for those not on Facebook. There are already pictures posted there from our day.
The people we have met so far are so warm and loving. Culturally - wow, what a difference. People walk everywhere. Not many restaurants. NO fast food. I think we were the only Caucasians downtown today. You're not allowed to take pictures of government buildings or the police here. We saw where the President lives and the Parliament. Even saw where the embassy was before the bombing a few years ago. Downtown was very clean and Jodi and I both agree we felt very safe.
It's winter here so it got dark about 6:30. Their winter is warmer than our summer has been so far! 76 today.
Tomorrow I am teaching a chair yoga class. I'm nervous and excited! Then I'm going to lunch with Rufus, my mentee and Faith, our interpreter.
Jodi has been so great to travel with these last couple of days. She is such a loving spirit. Tomorrow we join the rest of the team.
Amani, (peace)
Bonnie
The people we have met so far are so warm and loving. Culturally - wow, what a difference. People walk everywhere. Not many restaurants. NO fast food. I think we were the only Caucasians downtown today. You're not allowed to take pictures of government buildings or the police here. We saw where the President lives and the Parliament. Even saw where the embassy was before the bombing a few years ago. Downtown was very clean and Jodi and I both agree we felt very safe.
It's winter here so it got dark about 6:30. Their winter is warmer than our summer has been so far! 76 today.
Tomorrow I am teaching a chair yoga class. I'm nervous and excited! Then I'm going to lunch with Rufus, my mentee and Faith, our interpreter.
Jodi has been so great to travel with these last couple of days. She is such a loving spirit. Tomorrow we join the rest of the team.
Amani, (peace)
Bonnie
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
two more sleeps...
I'm feeling so excited .. nearly done packing.. I'm sure I'm packing too much. I'll go with three 70lb bags and come home with nearly nothing. I just made the connection that this is part of my continued detachment from the material attachments I have. I'm going to be seriously sad to part with the anthropology skirted leggings I practice in.
This week, two of my teachers taught me African proverbs. The first came in an email from my meditation teacher.
Ubunto - I am, because we are.
And then, my friend and teacher, leader of Team Next Generation Yoga for Africa Yoga Project, Jodi Komitor talked about the second in her "weekly walk" that can be found here: http://whykidsloveyoga.com/?p=883
"If you want to go fast, go alone. But, if you want to go far, go together."
Over and over we are reminded that community is what makes the individual stronger. As I embark on this journey with 16 other teammates as well as the countless others we will meet along the way, I continue to return to the thought that this trip will be all about the connections. More than what we teach, or even what we learn, what will matter most is the connections we make with others.
With an open heart we travel forth..
Amani, (peace)
Bonnie
This week, two of my teachers taught me African proverbs. The first came in an email from my meditation teacher.
Ubunto - I am, because we are.
And then, my friend and teacher, leader of Team Next Generation Yoga for Africa Yoga Project, Jodi Komitor talked about the second in her "weekly walk" that can be found here: http://whykidsloveyoga.com/?p=883
"If you want to go fast, go alone. But, if you want to go far, go together."
Over and over we are reminded that community is what makes the individual stronger. As I embark on this journey with 16 other teammates as well as the countless others we will meet along the way, I continue to return to the thought that this trip will be all about the connections. More than what we teach, or even what we learn, what will matter most is the connections we make with others.
With an open heart we travel forth..
Amani, (peace)
Bonnie
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