Gratitude is one of those words for me that sometimes feels overworked. As a yoga teacher I’ve probably said it in almost every yoga class over the past 12 years. I’m inundated with gratitude content via my algorithm, both in honest/reflective posts as well as marketing ploys by brands. There is, of course, nothing wrong with the word or its meaning, even as I try and dismiss it. And I suppose I was having my own word-allergy reaction to it because of the passing of Thanksgiving holiday in the US and all that brings up for me in the masking of history and the distraction myth we’ve been fed around the foundation of our country. Wah wah. But really the holiday feels like a Jekyll and Hyde, on one side being a beautiful moment to gather with loved ones and express thanks, on the other a reminder of mistreatments of Indigenous peoples and land in our country that continues to run rampant today. I think there should be space to hold both without the “wah wah” overpowering the palate. I hope as a society we’re maturing enough to be able to hold space for more than just the good, the joyful, and the happy moments and feelings.
I grew up on the island of Guam and so the topic of living on colonized land has always been a point of necessary discussion. The indigenous people of Guam are Chamorro, also spelled CHamoru, and have been on the island since roughly 3000 BC. Colonization started with the Spanish in 1521, and has continued with the US (Guam has been a territory since 1898). I’m not about to go in to detailed history, but I always find it alarming how little so many Americans know about the many lands our country has control over. Over the years when I tell people I’m from Guam, most laugh and ask where Guam actually is, what language is spoken, if I’m a US Citizen or is Guam its own country… All land the US governs over has a history and people who were there first, yet its hard for many (myself included) to grapple with and host dialogue around our ancestors and how we got to the places we are today. I find myself again in the juxtaposition of feeling the deepest gratitude having had the opportunity of growing up on the most special island, while also registering being part of a group that continues to overpower simple asks from the Chamorro people in regards to their rights, their land and their culture. Anyway, I love Guam and it will always be my root system, and I love the people of Guam—Chamorros and the larger mix of groups from all over the Pacific and Asia that now call Guam home. If you’re interested in reading more about the lived experience and some history notes, I implore you to check out Chamorro climate activist Julian Aguon’s “No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies”. Beautiful and intimate stories, alongside historical citing of the Northern Marianas Islands’ history.
And so OK. All of the above to bring me to actually expressing thanks to all of you, belated for the Thanksgiving holiday, but I refuse to silo my shouts of praise to a single moment in the year!!!
Friends, students, contemporaries. This year has continued to be a morphing transition (I suppose that’s every year, but every year seems to outdo itself!). I’ve questioned and second guessed what feels appropriate to share publicly, versus what is best to just journal. But every time I do put something up on this ‘stack, I’m met with kind words and affirmations from others with similar feelings. It’s easy and understandable to shy away from personal query and vulnerability on the public stage with how much we’re online as it is. I do think its useful though— allowing us to relate deeper, understand each other further, and open up space for continued contemplation. We all will go through such a range of experiences, combinations unique to each of us, and yet… we’re all in this together and finding community, even just in cloud space, makes life’s dealings easier. So thank you all, for allowing me to be on this pulpit of sorts. To wax poetic about my personal happenings, and generously supporting me as I trod along this path.
And now we’re in December and the month is flying. I have a few classes coming up both on Zoom and in person in NYC if you’re free and available for any/all, I’d love to have you join. Below is the schedule, and below that “beyond the paywall” are links for the zoom classes which are free for paid subscribers. I’ll be teaching a few more in person classes in NYC in January & early February before maternity leave, so be on the look out :)
Grateful for you! Love to you!
xxCK
Schedule:
WEDNESDAY 12/13: 6pm ET yoga class at LIVE THE PROCESS STUDIO
Move With Winter: As we prepare for the Winter Solstice and settle into the colder months, our practice can continue to adjust and support us. In class we’ll do a mix of building internal heat followed by time to slow down. And in true Sagittarius Season form, there’ll be a dance party as well! Open-level, interweaving Katonah, Iyengar, and Vinyasa Yoga.
SATURDAY 12/16: 11am ET zoom yoga class
Open to all, this class will move you, breathe you, settle you, and more! 2 Blocks are always great, but we can make do with whatever you’ve got around the house.
Free for MOVE WITH paid subscribers, $8 for non-paid subscribers— email me if you’d like to join. Class is recorded and the recording will be sent to all who paid!
WEDNESDAY 12/27: 12pm ET zoom prenatal yoga class
For my fellow expecting humans! We will do pregnancy-safe yoga including breathwork that I’ve been loving. I’ll take requests at the beginning if you’re in need of anything specific. 2 blocks are great, bolster or couch cushion is also useful.
Free for MOVE WITH paid subscribers, $8 for non-paid subscribers— email me if you’d like to join. Class is recorded and the recording will be sent to all who paid!
MONDAY 1/1/24: 11am ET zoom yoga class
Let’s start the calendar year with a little bit of centering and dreaming :) This might be a fools move as I’ll be at our friend’s country house in Vermont, and who knows what the wifi will bring us, but I’m gonna try to make this work!!! Open to all! We’ll do a goal setting meditation and wiggle around.
FREE FOR ALL! Open to everyone, I’ll post a zoom link closer to the date on here and on Instagram! Weeeeeee….
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