Practicing Pace
What can I discover when I slow down?
Hello, and welcome back to Practice*
How are you today? How is your body? Your breath? Would you like to take a moment and pause here together?
We've been holding a reinvigorated wave of collective grief in recent weeks between the devastating COVID surge in India, the violence in Palestine and Israel, and the relentless police brutality and discriminatory legislation the US has continued to produce. It's a lot. It's a lot to hold. It's a lot to know.
In yoga we practice satya, truthfulness, as we inquire about ourselves and the world around us. To embody satya we have to acknowledge the existence of many truths, of many different lived experiences that hold their own oppressions and privileges. How do we honor the experiences of others, while existing in our own truth, whatever that may be? Where can we effect change and what must we let go of?
These are questions I'm still searching for answers to and I may never fully find those answers. Something I have thought about as I work towards accessibility, anti-racism and inclusivity in my own life and offerings, is that in order to honor many truths and work to understand them, I have to slow down.
It may not make sense at first – slowing down to make change – but what yoga, among other practices, has taught me is that it takes time to untie a knot. It takes time to understand what is happening in my own body. It requires me to stop, to breathe, and to listen. When I stop, breathe and listen I can make conscious choices that contribute to an equitable society and to my own healing.
Sometimes, it takes a reminder from the outside to slow my pace. This can be yours. Can you take a deeper breath in between sentences today? Can you pause before you respond? If you notice you're feeling anxious, agitated or distracted can you stop, rather than trying to push through?
While you're pausing, take a moment to consider supporting relief efforts for India and Palestine.
What I’m Doing —
Moving Image by HK Goldstein: Pink and white buds are curled tightly amidst the fluttering leaves of an apple tree. In the background, white blossoms have already unfurled. Beyond the apple tree is a green field and a grey sky.
Pace first came up last month in preparation for NYTAG's Virtual TGNCNB Advocacy Day. We provided English to Spanish translation for the live event and one of the best practices recommended by our interpreters was to speak at a slow pace so they could keep up with translations. This simple instruction offered us an opportunity to consider how our speech was heard, rather than just what we were saying. It was a moment where pace enabled a more equitable and inclusive space.
Pace was also on my mind when the collective I belong to decided to take a two-week hiatus in order to avoid member burn out. We came back together this week refreshed and flushed with excitement to continue our work.
I continue practicing moving through my day at a slower pace to accommodate for my decreased physical ability. I think about each step as a move up the stairs. I walk slower one my way to the mailbox down the street. When I have something to do or someplace to go I try not to rush myself and to trust that I will get where I'm going when I need to be there and that being late might be okay.
Where I’m Learning —
I really can't get enough of Kallie Schut's yoga classes. I know I've mentioned her in almost every letter so far, and I'm not going to stop! She offers both live and pre-recorded practices that are skillful, aware, nurturing and energizing.
I recently met Bryan Ellicot, founder of Queer Justice Tarot, and have been incredibly inspired to learn more about the art of Tarot from their practice. They offer virtual readings and have a compilation of educational resources for tarot readers on their website.
I'm casually perusing this new textbook about sex work, health and human rights.
What I’m Offering —
TRANS* YOGA — Saturday June 5th at 3pm EST — A 70-minute virtual yoga class for trans and non-binary people of all bodies. Our practice will be rooted in personal physical autonomy and authority. Any or no experience is welcome. We ask our cisgender allies to support us by leaving the space for trans and non-binary folks. Suggested donation $5-$20. Sign up here.
TAROT READINGS — Curious about the cards? Been stuck in an anxiety spiral? Want to know how to approach a sticky situation? Let’s do a reading. I offer 45 and 60-minute tarot readings on a pay-what-you-can scale of $25-$75. Quick-Reads are available for $5 per card. Book yours here.
PRIVATE YOGA — One-on-one yoga sessions with me are available on a pay-what-you-can scale of $75-$150. I will work with you to understand the needs of your body and develop a practice that will help you connect with your inner ecosystem. Contact me to schedule yours.
What's In The Sky —
Mercury is in it's pre-retrograde shadow right now and will be in full retrograde from May 29th to June 22nd. While Mercury retrograde is one of the most recognized and feared astrological transits, it doesn't necessarily spell doom.
Mercury rules communication and when it's retrograde it moves backwards through the sky. That means that communication, and everything related to it, is going to be a little indirect and a little chaotic.
You may know Mercury retrograde as the time when your computer crashes, you spill red wine on a white rug or your package gets lost in the mail. All of these are very possible! However, there are ways I'm planning to work with the energy of the Mercury retrograde, rather than fight it. I invite you to join me or find your own ways to practice with Mercury.
While Mercury is retrograde, instead of starting a brand new project and telling everyone about it, I'm going to work to carefully lay my plans and double check everything before going public. I know that my exchanges with other people might get a little muddled, so I'll work to find patience with myself and others as we find the right words. I'll try to not make any huge life decisions, but rather I'll weigh all of my options and explore what they could each mean for me.
Mercury retrograde is yet another reminder to practice pace. Knowing how easily things can be thrown off the rails means I'll take my time and breathe deep.
Ironically, it's looking very likely that I will be announcing some new offerings in the coming weeks, so wish me luck.
Talk soon. Love you,
HK