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| Israel May 2006 | |||||||||||||||||
May 2006 Workshops for the Israeli Teacher's Association in Tel Aviv
Here is David's report on the events In May Yogabeats™ was invited by Sima and Honi to guest at the Israeli Teacher's Association first major convention just north of Tel Aviv. It was centred at one of the prettiest Kibbutz I have ever visited. When we arrived there were hundreds of people walking quietly holding rolled yoga mats across the grassy lawns that spread between regal giant Eucalyptus trees - and everywhere the sound of bird song. The first Yogabeats™ event began that evening and by the time I walked into the Olympic sized Netball hall there was a sea of people sat on yoga mats in readiness! The sound system had been set up to my specifications so that everybody could flow seamlessly. The DJ really worked closely with me - with great sensitivity to the action and paced the session - the enthusiasm and energy of the students was extraordinary (a mix of teachers, novices and regular practitioners) at some point it felt like we were all flying together - and three hours later when we landed and hundreds lay in Savasana, I gave them a silent mantra to repeat in their heads "I love me" and to send this thought into every part of their being, every hidden area, every pain, every regret - in that lives to reclaim themselves in total. I was overwhelmed by the warmth and appreciation of people wanting to personally thank me - I felt deeply humbled by the experience. The night rolled itself thick across the Kibbutz in a deep silence that literally took my breath away, so black was the sky's canopy above me that the stars all hung out like oversized diamonds - sleep quickly overtook me. When the dawn came it was with a cacophony of bird song. I found myself walking around the kibbutz after morning practice nursing a green tea and encountering smiles warmer than the morning sun and the tangible spirituality of this special gathering - I remember thinking "I have the best job in the world". During that afternoon there was a debate where the Indian Ambassador was invited to speak - and a debate ensued about how Yoga can be shared with Israel's neighbours, the Palestinians. At this point I was invited to speak about my commitment to teaching not only Israelis but also Palestinians - and my recent work and visits to Jericho, Bethlehem and Ramalla and about Yogabeats™ intentions to step up this action. I spoke about the awesome responsibility of Yoga teachers and ability to fundamentally bring psychological and physical change to people's lives - and although the work is slow it is thorough and it lasts a lifetime, prevailing long after current politics are long forgotten! I said the only real debate is do we leave the fate of this world to the politicians, with all the results that brings, or do we take on the sociological responsibility and the transformative art of Yoga into areas that need its ancient benefits? After the conference had concluded many teachers rallied their support and I really feel the intention of this work will precipitate and extraordinary action in these devastated communities - watch this space…… The second day ended with a crowded final Yogabeats™ session. The sad part is always saying goodbye but I have promised to return and support their next event. So many thanks to Sima and Honi of the Israeli Teachers Association and of course to Adva Rada (my right arm in Israel) who organised everything and made the whole event possible. David Sye
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