Summer Solstice Yoga Celebration + TIME'S UP Fundraiser
This year, in honor of the Summer Solstice and International Yoga Day, we're throwing a party to celebrate life and raise money for a cause we believe in, and you are officially invited.
In a time where we are always connected through a screen, it's strange how disconnected we are becoming. It's interesting how we have the ability to connect with millions of people all over the world online and yet still feel so alone sometimes.
On top of that, the division in our country is heartbreaking and overwhelming. Hearing the us vs. them mentality sometimes shakes me to my core. So does the darkness that has been exposed within the yoga world. The misogyny, abuse of power and harassment going on in a community that is supposed to be about healing fucking kills me. I think about it often—where do we go from here and what is my role in all of this? As a student and teacher of yoga, how can I serve my community? What can I do to guide us back to the light?
This is where you come in, along with my friends at SweatNet and lululemon Charlotte. We're joining forces to create a safe space for you to show up exactly as you are. Where you can be your authentic, weird, perfectly imperfect self and move your body in a way that feels good without worrying what it looks like. A space where there is no judgement, only love, joy, acceptance, support, breath and freedom. A celebration where everyone is welcome and you are not defined by your gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, height, weight, your yoga experience or lack thereof. An evening of aligning with the sun and it's life-giving energy and having FUN.
They say the sun is what drives change and accelerates evolution. You can harness this power and use it for your own transformation - especially during the solstice, which is more powerful if you spend it surrounded by others.
So what will this evening entail? It's basically a big party where we celebrate the longest day of the year through connection, breath, music, stillness and movement. Show up at 7pm for body paint and check out the local vendors. Meet new friends. Practice a style of yoga that accessible to everyone - even if you've never done yoga before. Most of you know me as the Rocket Yoga teacher who does handstands all over Charlotte, but my first love was Prana Vinyasa Yoga, founded by my teacher, Shiva Rea.
Years ago, when I was living in St. John, my mom sent me Shiva Rea's Yoga Trance Dance DVD and it was the first time I felt that spark while practicing yoga. Shiva's teachings embody slow, fluid, intuitive, even creative movements, giving you permission to move in a way that feels good in your own body.
Fast forward seven years and I found myself in Santa Monica studying with Shiva, flowing, breathing, dancing—movement meditations, as she calls them. During that training, I left every day feeling connected and elated. On June 21st, I'm offering these teachings that have been passed down through me to you.
To anyone who has ever felt intimidated, insecure or less-than in a yoga class, or afraid to even set foot in a studio—this is a safe space for you to show up exactly as you are.
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund. The voices of those affected by sexual assault, harassment and inequality in every industry have been silenced for too long. From everyday people in the service industry, to farmers and businesspeople, to the entertainment and media industry and in our own yoga community—it's happening everywhere and it's time to do something about it.
TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund helps defray legal and public relations costs in select cases for those who have experienced sexual harassment or related retaliation in the workplace. A network of lawyers and public relations professionals across the country will work to provide assistance to those who have experienced harassment or retaliation. Access to prompt and comprehensive legal and communications help will mean empowerment for these individuals and long-term growth for our culture and communities as a whole.
We're all on this wild ride together. If you're feeling disconnected from yourself, your community or something bigger than you, if you've had enough of the bullshit and just want to let it all out, if you want to move and breathe and sweat and celebrate where you're going and how far you've come—join us.
ALL are welcome. Especially you.
Solstice Yoga Celebration
Thursday, June 21st 7-9:30pm
XX,
Jaimis
