Saturday, December 28, 2024

Year End Yoga Party, Sacred Ritual


WHAT HAPPENED?
Sign up here: Kinship Yoga Studios
We convened, got raffle tickets, placed potluck items on a table, reviewed the silent auction objects on offer, and settled in for the hailing of the Four Directions by Araceli in Native American tradition, with a conch shell trumpet and palo santo incense. Then we journaled a letter to ourselves to be opened in six months, the summer to come, sharing a small part of it with the whole group as we got in touch with a vision of nature and a sacred animal. Very New Age. Then the Sanskrit chanting began, accompanied by bongos, a spaceship like percussive instrument, and harmonium, in call-and-response kirtan. This was followed by the raffle, with a free ticket going to anyone who brought a potluck item. The prizes were in the $50 to $180 range, donated by local merchants supporting Yoga Gives Back and Ambassador Stella. Everyone got two hugs and we met eyes with another person, all designed to get people out of their shells and into the social community. Many females pranced about in skimpy yoga gear, laughing, making new friends. Then we feasted and had mocktails, hot chocolate, fresh persimmon juice, exotic teas from the Tea Bar, as well as soft drinks. This was followed by effusive sharing by anyone who wanted to say something, as we moved to the gift exchange blanket. Participants were encouraged to donate a gift for it, which everyone could see. Then items were chosen, infused with good mojo as the items got handed to the left and arrived at the designated chooser.

Yoga New Year: 108 Sun Salutations (1/1)
(This means everyone ended up with a gift, and some with more than one. The owner, Ryan and his young daughter, Louisa (the youngest teacher the studio has ever produced), were on hand. It was all handshakes, hugs, and even some yoga jokes. (Yoga jokes? A hippie is standing in front of a yoga studio and the owner says, "Man, you gotta leave." The hippie replies, "Nah, Man, 'amastay," you know, which sounds like "Namaste." Dumb as it might sound, it got a great laugh because up until tonight, no one knew there were such things as "yoga jokes." Not to be outdone, Ryan the owner said the place wasn't always going to be called "Kinship." He toyed with the idea of naming "Om Depot." That also got a great laugh). Hugs, kisses, number exchanged, and some people lingered to chat after four straight hours of spiritual fun and frolicking. It was a great time. And we were all reminded that in three short days, it's the 108 Sun Salutations Yoga Challenge in the same room at noon.

9th annual New Year Sacred Ceremony, Yoga Gives Back fundraiser, Potluck w/ Stella, Araceli, Veronica
Date: Saturday, 12/28/24, 6:00 pm-10:00 pm. Welcome to the 9th annual New Year Sacred Ceremony (fundraiser and Veggie Potluck) the final Saturday of the year.
Join us for Kinship’s beloved annual gathering to honor the end of one year and welcome the New Year with community, intention, and celebration.

All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit Yoga Gives Back (YGB), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and children in India.

 
Event Schedule
  • 6:00 pm: Sacred Ceremony
We begin with a sacred ceremony to honor the interconnectedness of all life. This space will be infused with culturally-inspired observances, reverence for ancient wisdom teachings, and intentions for peace and healing in the coming year.

  • 7:45 pm: Fundraiser, Veggie Potluck, Gift-Giving Blanket
After the ceremony, we continue with a fundraiser, delicious veggie potluck, and the beloved Gift- Giving Blanket tradition. This portion of the evening includes opportunities for music, poetry (open mic), and community connection.

Event details

New students, Kingship, Highland Park
Sacred Ceremony creates a sacred space to honor life’s journey and our relationships with all beings. Through culturally respectful rituals and shared intentions, we cultivate a collective vision of peace for the New Year. Our gathering includes a series of meaningful activities to inspire growth, healing, and connection: 
  • Smudging with white sage
Purify and cleanse personal energy through the sacred practice of smudging. Using the smoke of white sage (Salvia apiana), we clear away negative energies and create an open space for healing, renewal, and positive transformation.
  • Journaling activity
We take a moment to reflect on our journey and set powerful intentions for the year ahead. Answer a few curated questions to guide reflection, focusing on what we wish to release and what we want to invite into our life.
  • Sacred chanting
Together, we chant sacred Sanskrit mantras, uniting our voices and hearts in harmony. This collective vibration invokes peace, healing, and strength, setting a powerful intention for the New Year ahead.
  • Gift-Giving Blanket

History (Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz)
Inspired by Native American traditions, the Gift-Giving Blanket invites us to bring a gift to share with the community. After laying a gift down on the blanket, everyone will have the opportunity to choose a gift brought by someone else. (No need to purchase any gifts; we encourage to recycle from our own possessions to lighten our load). Gifts can be new or gently used items. All are welcome — whether or not bringing a gift to share.
yoga-gives-back.networkforgood.com
Yoga Gives Back is a non-profit organization that supports women and children in India, providing educational opportunities and micro-loans to help them build sustainable lives. Stella Han is an ambassador for YGB and will lead this fundraiser. Contribute directly to the cause via Stella’s fundraising portal:
Alternatively, donations can be made via Venmo: @stella_han_yoga. Please include “YGB” in the comment section along with an email and phone number. (All personal contact information is only visible to Stella Han). Cash or checks are accepted as well.
  • Veggie potluck

What is there to eat? Compassionate veggie food
Bringing food is optional, but to contribute, please email Stella (the coordinator and organizer) at stellaheartyoga@gmail.com with details of the dish you plan to bring. All dishes must be vegan or vegetarian. Please also include an ingredient card next to the dish for transparency so diners can avoid allergens like gluten (wheat, barley, rye, oats, buckwheat, all of which contain their own form of this popular toxin that destroys the cilia of the gut lining and results in malabsorption and eventual malnutrition). All contributors to the potluck will receive 3 raffle tickets. Please mention to host about contribution to ensure receiving the raffle tickets.

  • Attire
What about New Year's Eve?
Dress warmly and comfortably. If feeling inspired, festive or spiritual white attire is optional as we gather to celebrate and set intentions for the New Year with a clean slate. We look forward to coming together in community, celebration, and giving.

For more information or questions, please contact Stella Han:
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