Grow & Transform
"The tiny seed knew that in order to grow it needed to be dropped in dirt, covered in darkness and struggle to reach the light." -Sandra Kring
Seven summers ago I completed my first yoga teacher training. I had been mulling over the idea of teaching for over 10 years. However, I was caught up in my own broken record of not being good enough, not knowing enough, not being enough. Then suddenly I had to face life and death issues in my family which made me wake up to the preciousness of life. I realized I could not waste any more time dreaming of the things I wanted to do. I just had to do them. And even if I wasn't quite ready for the next steps, I had to begin.
I had been living in San Diego less than a year and dealing with family illness when I happened to see a flyer about a popular yoga teacher, named Sean O'Shea, who passed away in a tragic accident. As I read on I learned he had owned a yoga studio, was the same age as me, and actually had the same birthday as me. Though I never had the honor of meeting Sean, I have since learned what an amazing man he was and what a positive impact he had, and continues to have, on the lives of so many. His passing shocked me. "That could have been me," I thought. We were the same age, and in his short life he had already done so much, and I felt like I hadn't even begun. I had the privilege and blessing of being alive, when others like Sean were not. It was time for me to live fully, with intention, with passion, and with courage. Within a month I applied for grad school and a yoga training. I made a conscious choice to face my fears of inadequacy and to pursue the life I envisioned.
Seven years later, I now teach yoga full time. And this summer I've had the honor to partner with the Sean O'Shea Foundation (SOSF). After Sean's passing, his mother Gloria poured her heart and soul into creating this foundation that would continue Sean's legacy. The Sean O'Shea Foundation is a non-profit that empowers youth with free yoga and nutrition programs. In the last 7 years the SOSF has helped over 10,000 at children in cultivating more peace, confidence, respect, empathy, and mindfulness. Their programs help at-risk youth who are homeless, involved with gangs, on probation, and terminally ill. It is a passion of mine to make yoga and holistic care practices available all communities, especially those that are underserved. I am grateful to have the chance to help raise money and awareness for this amazing organization. Learn More about the Sean O'Shea Foundation
Join me with My Dharma Yoga & Chef Sasha Cherry for 3 fun evenings for a great cause:
Midsummer Nights: Yoga, Food & Music by the Sea
June 19th Awaken & Play
July 17 Grow & Transform
August 21 Wisdom & Insight
Each evening will include an uplifting yoga class, an organic healthy dinner, live music and a raffle with fabulous prizes. In addition to raising funds for the Sean O'Shea Foundation, we are also aiming to spread the word about this amazing organization and recruit future volunteers and support. Reserve Your Spot!
The July event, "Grow & Transform" reminds me of the roots of my own journey. Like the tiny seed of a tree, I have roots in darkness that have supported my growth towards the light. And like the trees in the forest, I am not alone in this phenomenon. Gloria O'Shea, Sean's mother, channeled her grief into creating something beautiful and powerful and full of life. It is by leaning in, being present, and moving through times of challenge and uncertainty that we can truly grow, transform, heal, and begin anew.
Namaste