Connection over Convenience
As the holiday season soon takes center stage, I’m putting CONNECTION front and center in all my thoughts and all my actions. Ever since our brilliant weekend with Rolf Gates, this word has been my North Star ✨
I left that weekend feeling so full, held by the energy of the whole. Soon enough though, melancholy set in. Deep connection can feel quite juxtaposed from daily living.
Recently, while in line at a drive-through coffee window, I felt a sudden pang of angst. The dopamine hit of an easy caffeine pick-me-up while my two little ones stayed strapped in the backseat paled in comparison to the nagging feeling of living out of alignment. I had forsaken my ethos, choosing convenience over connection.
This action, seemingly small, is the antithesis of who I hope to be. I am infinitely inspired by Kurt Vonnegut’s wisdom about the art of farting around, an account of all the interactions he has simply by leaving his house to buy one envelope rather than ordering 100 to his home. Yet here I found myself talking to a screen rather than a human because I didn't want to go through the rigmarole of getting my kiddos out of their carseats...
Our modern era emphasizes busyness, perfectionism and efficiency, often leading to a life isolated. It is when I’m at my busiest that I seek a quick reprieve, the easy way out, convenience over connection. I purchase things and eat food and drink coffee without ever interacting with the hands that touched it before me.
During a dharma talk this past Teacher Training, we pondered the question "What is Enough?" Recognizing we live in a world where water, food, shelter are unfortunately not a given, we intellectually answer this question with those basic survival needs, believing that should be enough to feel content.
But is it?
Connection is an essential ingredient to a full existence.
The Buddhist teach us that all sentient beings need love and compassion to experience our Oneness and know the truth of who we are.
I often wonder why Yoga reaches some people so deeply, holds us so strongly?
Perhaps it is our innate need for real connection, connection to self, to spirit, to community, to source. In an increasingly disconnected world, this pull feels all the more powerful and so damn necessary.
All this to say that as we enter what is arguably the busiest time of year, I invite you to step slowly, give authentically and plan mindfully so you may stay connected to what is most important to you. Whether it is time in nature or in community, with your spiritual practice or the freedom to simply fart around, be intentional with how you invest your time. This is no easy feat. In fact, if can feel revolutionary. But with support, I believe it’s entirely possible to live the remaining days of 2025 in alignment and begin 2026 with clarity and openness.
YoYoYogi has always been a sanctuary rooted in connection. My hope is that we can be your place of support. We’ve taken great care to plan special offerings and giving opportunities all in the name of connection. We so look forward to sharing this special time of year with you.