|
Friday, September 25, 2009
|
Yoga Event Banned from Town Commons |
|
|
|
|
In observation of the UN’s international day of peace, Yoga teacher Molly Schlangen of Raymond, NH wanted to lead a group of practitioners in a “Yoga for Peace” practice at the town common area on Sunday September 20. But, when she requested permission from the Raymond selectmen, it was denied. The selectmen said that the request was denied because there was not enough information about Schlagen’s plans for the space.
The small town of Raymond probably did not expect the attention it received as a result of the decision. There are currently over 177 news articles addressing the decision, and between 30 and 40 Libertarians wearing guns spent the Sunday of the proposed event at the town commons in support of the first and second amendment rights for themselves and for Schlagen. The ban was passed on a 3-2 vote by the selectmen, and even selectmen Cheryl Killam who voted in favor of the gathering showed support on Sunday stating that “if we had approved it, there wouldn't be this much focus on it." But it wasn’t approved, and there is now a great deal of focus on it. A headline even stated that the selectmen had reviewed the decision again on Monday night, which they stood behind, based on lack of information or representation on the part of Schlagen. Members of the community were on hand to offer their opinions about the discrimination they felt the selectmen were expressing in preventing a peaceful gathering. In this day and age where yoga is so common and accepted among all walks of life, it sometimes takes me by surprise to see that for whatever reason, it would not be a welcome event. The selectmen provided a list of practical reasons why the event was not approved, from parking, to crowd control, to clean up, though there was not written policy about any of these restrictions on the books prior to the request. Could it be that this practice, meant to focus on peace, is still an unknown and threatening presence for some? The thought that it may be a source of fear brings up an important point for practitioners and teachers. We continue to have a responsibility to gently educate our communities and representatives about what yoga is, and how it can be a support to everyone. Even though the practical benefits of yoga are in the headlines everyday, it is still an unknown practice to many, and its benefits may not always be clear. So, in addition to practicing and teaching, we can start dialogues, conversations about the positive effects of yoga with our doctors, our loan officers, and our community representatives. When we believe in the positive effects of what we do, we can offer knowledge and insight about the practice outside of the studio or meditation hall, and we can encourage others to learn more about the practice themselves. Then when our communities and representatives are faced with decisions about including yoga and meditation in community spaces and events, they can make decisions based on information or familiarity. And, hopefully, as a result will support the greater good instead of avoiding the things of which they know very little. 1 Comments
While it's true that some people see Yoga negatively, I don't see proof of that going on in this situation. It is quite possible that the event was denied simply because of organizational issues, gun-wielding Libertarians aside.
Actually, the gun comment itself was prejudice. 1
September 28, 2009
Write comment
You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.
|
Our Sponsor
 Our
Yoga for Beginners book takes you through the basics of practicing yoga and then teaches you the poses in the context of a yoga practice sequence. |
| Free Newsletter |
|---|
| Premium Content |
|---|
| Our premium members have access to deluxe features, detailed yogic information and downloadable MP3s. Check out our Premium Membership Benefits page to find out all of the rewards of joining. |
| New Users |
|---|
| To get the most out of our site, we suggest you take some time to explore before jumping into the practice. Browse our yoga 101 section for general info on the history and types of yoga, then start exploring asanas the physical postures used in hatha yoga. Remember to breathe and always start your yoga practice with a brief meditation. Questions? check out our yoga message board. If you are new to yoga, please read our Yoga for Beginner's page |
| Yogic Wisdom |
|---|
|
These days, my practice is teaching me to embrace imperfection: to have compassion for all the ways things haven’t turned out as I planned, in my body and in my life – for the ways things keep falling apart, and failing, and breaking down. It’s less about fixing things, and more about learning to be present for exactly what is. Anne Cushman |
| Our Most Popular Pages |
|---|
| RSS Syndication |
|---|
 Subscribe to our RSS feed to keep informed on all new updates to YogaBasics.com.
In order to use our Newsfeed you need to cut and paste the URL into a RSS reader or use your browser's RSS "subscribe" button.
|
Ahimsa, the yogic practice of non violence must be adhered to when engaging in the practice of hatha yoga. Respect your body's limitations and inner wisdom, if something feels wrong or dangerous, please do not do it.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
Please consult your health care practitioner before starting a yoga, pranayama or other exercise program.
All contents copyright 2001-2012 Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com. All rights reserved. Om shanti peace.
