Om. Live. Dance. Smile. Feel. Meditate. Be thankful. Be happy. Be kind. Do not lose heart. Radiate light. Positive energy. Yoga, an attitude.
The above is a translation of this sign, propped up outside of my other home studio, Adhyatma Yoga, high in the mountains of Cochabamba, Bolivia. I spend about two months every year in this city, where I do research and run a study abroad program for Pitt students, my other job when I’m not at BYS Yoga Collective (BYSYC).
I am grateful to have found this community in Bolivia (#kulaincochabamba!!!). My practice here changes -- it is gentler, there is literally less oxygen in the air, I turn in, I take care of myself in the midst of taking care of nearly 30 twenty-year olds. I recognize more than ever the healing benefits of this practice.
No matter how far I travel, I have yoga and, through this practice, I find my community. I feel with even greater certainty that we are all one.
And with that realization, I cannot wait to return to BYSYC (#kulaoncarson!!!). I am grateful for our community, our home. I will see you all next week!
Xoxo,
Alana
