Worship is an inward feeling and outward action that reflects the worth of God" - John Piper
by S.L. Jordan
I love starting my blog posts with a quote that brings it all together. This quote resonated with me as soon as I read it, but I understand the confusion that lies within the Black community when it comes to yoga.
So, let me be CLEAR: YOGA IS NOT A RELIGION. Is it an important part of some religions? Yes. Do some people look at their yoga practice as THEIR religion? Yes. However, Yoga is a philosophy. There is no deity to pray to. While the term, "Sunday Communion" is typically associated with a religious ceremony/service the actual definition of communion is more general.
Communion: noun
the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.
Just so we all are on the same page, in the same book - Imma drop this definition here too.
Worship: verb
to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion
Which makes the naming of my portion so fitting - cause if YOU are not worthy of your own worship, then WHO else is?
NOW - with that said, let me talk about this AMAZING ass event I was asked to be a part of in my hometown of Detroit. Last summer, I held a yoga pop-up in Detroit - read about it here - and I was connected with Miss AJ WIlliams, she's doing amazing work in the wellness space for the Detroit community and more importantly the culture. She came and did a unique sound bowl session for my pop-up - she infuses her bowls with actual music. It's a highly elevated experience. chefs kiss
Every quarter, she hosts "Sunday Communion" which consists of 4 parts followed by mimosas and super cute charcuterie situations.
The particular session I was participating in consisted of:
Prayer: Breath Work/Mindfulness with Karissa Wallace
Praise: Sound Healing with Miss AJ Williams
Worship: Slow Flow Yoga with ME
Sermon: Manifest Your Money with Jack Howard
Communion: Mimosa & Charcuterie Board +DIY Affirmation Bouquets
It's just so southern Baptist and I love it. It was the intersection of The Culture, Holistic Healing/Mindfulness Practices, Self-Care, and Financial Advice - and if I'm keeping it a buck, which I always do, the financial portion with Jack Howard BLEW MY MIND. She started her segment by saying, "I'm going to change the way you look at money" - and my first thought was, "hmmmm okay." It sounded like what all financial advisors would say to hook you, but YEAH. SHE WASN'T LYING. I've heard the phrase money/financial psychology before, and her insight on the topic and what she's doing to bring that to the community was inspiring. I left feeling informed about financial habits in a way I hadn't been before.
Every segment was well thought out and led flowed perfectly into the next. You could tell that all of the ladies, myself included, are passionate about their craft and sharing it with like-minded individuals.
The event was IN Detroit proper - which I love, cause IYKYK - at a place called Brix Wine. The set up was SUPER cute and calming to the nervous system.
I love how mats were provided for registrants, so all they had to do was show up and receive the offering. My best friend was able to snag a ticket - because they went like hotcakes - and in true support fashion she was wearing the Aum Yoga Meet Me on the Ma'at Racerback tank in Heather Sunset. [Available for purchase]
It was a wonderful experience and made me feel like I am getting closer to the type of yoga teacher I want to be and the offerings that I will provide. I want to travel and meet yogis across the globe to see how they are using yoga and its principles to heal their communities.
IF you are smart - and I believe you are - then you will go and subscribe to her email list so you can attend the NEXT Sunday Communion.
Until then, you can check out her Spring Bowl Series at The Detroit Foundation Hotel.
Meet Me on the Ma'at ...
Until then, continue to grow and evolve Off da' Ma'at.
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